Bulgaria's Culture Minister probes missing 400 decares and former NDK directors' unpaid salaries

Culture Minister Evtem Milosev announced that an internal audit has found 400 decares of land in Sofia’s Boyana district missing from the assets of the public company Orpheus, which is linked to the National Palace of Culture (NDK). The investigation is ongoing and the minister said the land “does not exist” in the company’s records.

Milosev also addressed the scandal over record salaries paid to former NDK directors. He said the previous salary protocol was declared void and that the former directors refuse to return the overpaid amounts, estimated at just over €100,000. The minister warned that legal action will be pursued to recover public funds. He added that a new board will be appointed, salaries will be recalculated under a new formula, and a salary cap for public enterprises is being discussed. Additionally, €20 million was transferred to support Bulgaria’s Eurovision bid, with site inspections planned in Sofia and Burgas.