Bulgarian National Audit Office rejects signal on Peevski private flights

Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerzhiev has criticized the National Audit Office for refusing to act on a signal regarding undeclared private flights taken by MP Delyan Peevski. Demerzhiev, who submitted the signal on July 31, stated that the institution found no violation in the failure to declare these flights or the lack of information regarding how they were funded.

The Minister accused the Audit Office of acting as a “shield” for influential political figures, noting that the institution is led by Dimitar Glavchev, who was elected in 2023 by a coalition of GERB, PP-DB, and DPS. Demerzhiev argued that high-ranking officials are obligated to declare such expenses to ensure their lifestyle matches their declared income.

In response, Audit Office Chairman Dimitar Glavchev stated that the investigation into Peevski’s declarations is ongoing and that the matter has been referred to the National Revenue Agency (NAP). Glavchev characterized the timing of the decision as a coincidence and emphasized that the Audit Office follows standard procedures. Demerzhiev noted that only the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office can protest the decision, linking the issue to the broader need for judicial reform and the election of a new Supreme Judicial Council.