Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdjiev Faces Corruption Allegations

Former interior minister Kalin Stoyanov posted extensive allegations that Minister Ivan Demerdjiev is linked to businessman Nikolay Filipov (nicknamed “Mitnicharya”) and has been involved in corrupt activities, including a suspected 81 million‑lev public‑procurement deal for new identity documents and attempts to influence prosecutors.

Demerdjiev responded by accusing former prime minister Boyko Borisov of controlling the two firms that supply costly road‑safety barriers (mantinels) in Bulgaria, saying the devices are among the most expensive in Europe and that their prices have been artificially inflated. He suggested the firms benefit from a restricted public‑procurement system and implied that Borisov’s network is behind the overpricing.

Both articles highlight a broader controversy over alleged corruption within the Ministry of the Interior, potential misuse of state contracts, and political infighting between Demerdjiev, Stoyanov, and figures linked to the former government.