Archived edition · September 20, 2026 Today's news →

What's happening in Europe?

Flag of Bulgaria

Bulgaria

News summary for

Go to today →

Detention 🚨

Petrohan Case Terminated, Presidential Race Heats Up, Local Officials Detained

A major development in the ongoing 'Petrohan' case has emerged, with official announcements confirming that the legal proceedings will not advance to court and are set to be terminated. This marks a significant turn in a long-standing issue that has been a subject of political discussion and legal scrutiny. [cite: OFFNews, Sega]

Meanwhile, the political landscape is buzzing with activity as 17 presidential candidate pairs have officially registered with the Central Electoral Commission. President Iliana Iotova has also made headlines by revealing she declined an offer for a campaign strategy aimed at discrediting an opponent. In local news, a deputy mayor and municipal secretary in Kardzhali were detained on charges of coercion. [cite: Mediapool]

Further domestic stories include discussions around increasing maternity, child, and student benefits for 2027, and new measures being implemented to combat phone spoofing scams using Bulgarian numbers. The national volleyball team secured a victory against Germany in the EuroVolley quarterfinals, providing a positive note amidst the political and legal news. [cite: Dnevnik, Mediapool]

Top stories

Petrohan Case to Be Terminated

The 'Petrohan' case, which has been a subject of considerable political and legal attention, will not proceed to court and is set to be terminated. This development was confirmed by the Minister of Justice, signaling a potential conclusion to this long-running legal saga. Boyko Borissov, leader of the GERB party, suggested that controversial topics like 'Petrohan' would not be prominent if his party had presidential candidates. [cite: Mediapool, OFFNews, Sega]

Presidential Election Campaign Developments

The Central Electoral Commission has received registration documents from 17 presidential candidate pairs, indicating a burgeoning electoral season. President Iliana Iotova has stated that she declined an offer for a campaign strategy explicitly targeting an opponent, emphasizing ethical conduct in the upcoming elections. [cite: Dnevnik, Mediapool]

Focus on Education Reform and Business Involvement

Following the PISA 2025 results, there is a renewed call for significant changes and reforms in the education system. Businesses are increasingly stepping in to bridge educational gaps, particularly in vocational training, to better prepare students for the job market. The discussion also encompasses the dual aspects of both challenges and achievements within Bulgarian schooling. [cite: Capital, Mediapool]

Economic and Social Policy Discussions

Discussions are underway to potentially increase maternity pay, child benefits, and student aid starting in 2027, signaling a focus on social welfare. A growing number of Bulgarians are qualifying for retirement by utilizing their foreign work experience, indicating a trend in cross-border employment and its impact on the pension system. [cite: Mediapool, Sega]

Business and Infrastructure Developments

The industrial park in Shumen is planning to establish its own electricity distribution company, which could significantly impact local energy provision. Additionally, the agricultural company 'AgriVia Oil' has undergone a significant change in ownership, reflecting shifts in the business sector. An article also examines LUKOIL's pricing strategy in Bulgaria, suggesting minimal markups for consumers. [cite: Capital, Mediapool]

News sources