Bulgarian government orders audit of National Palace of Culture

The Bulgarian government has ordered the State Financial Inspection Agency to conduct a comprehensive audit of the National Palace of Culture (NDK) – Sofia Congress Center. The inspection will cover the period from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, to clarify the company’s financial status and management and to protect public financial interests.

The decision follows discrepancies between publicly presented financial data and the company’s actual financial reports. Reports indicate that while cash reserves increased, the NDK recorded losses every year between 2023 and 2025, with a loss of 3.4 million BGN in 2025. During this period, personnel costs rose by approximately 73%, while revenues increased by only 17%. Additionally, investment levels remained low despite annual depreciation costs exceeding 5 million BGN.

The audit will examine revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, investment activities, and the legality of financial and accounting operations. It will also analyze the compensation of management bodies and key personnel to ensure compliance with regulations. This follows the dismissal of former director Andriyana Tatatova due to a conflict of interest and subsequent leadership changes.