Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev probes highway barriers after Trakia crash

Bulgarian Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev announced a probe into the supply and construction of safety barriers (mantinels) on Bulgarian roads after a fatal accident on the Trakia highway that killed three people. He said only two companies provide the barriers and that “злите езици говорят” that a former prime minister may be behind a monopoly. The investigation will compare the quality and costs of the barriers with those in Germany and other EU states, and will also review one‑lane roads built with public funds. All related files have been forwarded to the acting chief prosecutor.

Demerdzhiev also said laboratories for testing blood samples for narcotics will be operational by August, after he shortened the procurement schedule. He added that investigations continue into the illegal settlement “Baba Alino” near Varna and the “Petrohan” incident, promising expert examinations, potentially with international participation, and stressing the need for transparency.

He stressed that responsibility for road‑construction contracts lies with all relevant state institutions, not only the Ministry of Interior, and pledged to halt any corrupt procurement practices.