Stamboliyski mayor faces conflict‑of‑interest ruling, rejects calls for early election

Bulgaria's Audit Chamber found that Stamboliyski mayor Petar Nedelov committed a conflict of interest by authorising seven municipal payments between December 2023 and May 2024 to companies owned and managed by his two sons. The transfers totalled 9,876 BGN (about 5,050 EUR). The chamber imposed a fine of roughly 5,000 EUR and ordered the return of the funds, while the decision remains subject to appeal before the administrative court.

Former mayor Georgi Maradjiev responded on social media by demanding early municipal elections, citing the conflict‑of‑interest finding. Nedelov rejected the demand, stating that the audit decision has not been formally served to him, contesting the allegations and insisting there will be no early elections. He claims the payments covered unpaid invoices and vows to continue municipal projects while challenging the ruling in court.