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Archived edition · July 25, 2026 Today's news →

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Road Repair Order Canceled, President Seeks Full Term Amid Budget Approval

Bulgaria is experiencing significant domestic developments, with Prime Minister Rumen Radev's government addressing major infrastructure concerns. The Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Ivan Shishkov, announced the cancellation of a billion-euro road repair order and the suspension of payments for construction using outdated methodologies. This comes amidst an investigation into potential favoritism within the Road Infrastructure Agency.

In the political arena, President Iliana Iotova has declared her intention to run for a full presidential term, forming an initiative committee. This announcement follows her assumption of the presidency in January 2026 to complete the term of the former president, Rumen Radev, who is now the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, the Parliament has definitively approved the 2026 government budget, which includes a 5.7% deficit, and has abolished the mechanism for minimum wage adjustments and automatic public sector salary linking.

Other key domestic stories include Bulgaria's bid to acquire Polish MiG-29 fighter jets, a new wave of scams impersonating the Interior Ministry and banks, and the ongoing US freeze on Lukoil assets after discussions involving President Iotova regarding the Burgas refinery.

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Major Road Repair Order Canceled Amid Scrutiny

Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Shishkov announced the cancellation of a road repair order exceeding 1 billion euros and the halting of all construction payments under outdated methodologies. This move comes amidst investigations into the Road Infrastructure Agency regarding potential favoritism in contracts.

President Iliana Iotova Announces Candidacy for Full Term

Iliana Iotova, the current President of Bulgaria, has officially announced her intention to run for a full presidential term, forming an initiative committee to support her campaign. She assumed the presidency in January 2026 to complete the term of her predecessor.

Bulgaria Eyes Polish MiG-29s, Discusses US Aircraft

Bulgaria is reportedly preparing to compete with Ukraine in a bid to acquire Polish MiG-29 fighter jets. Separately, Democratic Bulgaria did not support a decision regarding US aircraft due to a lack of information.

New Wave of Scams Targets Citizens, Lukoil Asset Freeze Extended

Bulgarian citizens are facing a new series of scams impersonating the Ministry of Interior and banks. Concurrently, the United States has extended its freeze on Lukoil's assets following discussions between President Iotova and Washington concerning the Burgas refinery.

Culture Fund Dissolved Due to Poor Regulations

The 'Culture' fund has been dissolved, with the primary reason cited as poorly formulated rules and regulations, highlighting ongoing issues within the fund's operational framework.

High Incidence of Speeding Violations on Bulgarian Roads

Bulgarian roads are experiencing a high volume of speeding violations, with approximately 900 infractions registered daily, leading to descriptions of the roads as being 'like a Formula 1 track'.

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