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Archived edition · September 29, 2026 Today's news →

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Remains 🏺

A dead tsar returns and a windfall tax sparks conflict

Greece is returning the remains of Tsar Samuel on October 3rd via a Spartan vessel. President Rumen Radev has requested a public procession to mark the occasion. Elsewhere in Sofia, hundreds gathered downtown to protest against Mr Radev and Vice President Iliana Iotova, while a separate vice-presidential candidate was revealed to hold Soviet citizenship.

A new formula for the minimum wage will deliberately slow its growth, as the country maintains its two-decade streak of having the lowest in Europe. The finance ministry noted that wage growth is generally cooling. Meanwhile, the government earned an anti-award from transparency campaigners and is preparing to consolidate 56 different social support measures from eight laws into a single code, which the minister in charge admits are confusing for people in need.

Finance minister Galab Donev and central bank governor Dimitar Radev clashed sharply over a proposed windfall tax, and the ruling coalition reportedly plans to raise the weekend tax. In the courts, the family of Aleksey Petrov conclusively won a case against state prosecutors, and witnesses delivered unexpected testimony in a trial concerning former prime minister Kiril Petkov and the arrest of his predecessor, Boyko Borissov.

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Repatriation of Tsar Samuel's Remains

Greece is set to repatriate the mortal remains of Tsar Samuel to Bulgaria on October 3rd, a significant cultural and historical event. President Iliana Iotova has invited the public to a procession to welcome the remains, which will be transported by the Spartan vessel.

Economic Policy and Labor Market Updates

The Finance Ministry reported a cooling of wage growth and an employment turning point. A new formula to moderate minimum wage increases has been adopted, even as Bulgaria's minimum wage remains Europe's lowest for two decades. Despite this, the average net salary is reported as the highest among neighboring countries.

Political Controversies and Protests

Hundreds of people protested in downtown Sofia against President Iliana Iotova and Prime Minister Rumen Radev. A vice presidential candidate was revealed to have Soviet citizenship, adding a new layer to election campaign discussions. Furthermore, witnesses have provided surprising testimony in the case against former Prime Minister Kiril Petkov concerning the arrest of former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.

Social Protection and Transparency Issues

A new Social Protection Code is being developed, but Minister Nataliya Efremova noted that 56 measures across 8 existing laws are causing confusion for those in need. Separately, the 'Access to Information Programme' awarded an 'anti-award' to the government, highlighting concerns about information access.

Sofia Metro Expansion Milestone

The tunnel boring machine for the Sofia metro has successfully reached the Sytnyakovo station, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing construction project.

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