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5 clusters · 8 sources · 50 days · First seen 2 months ago · Last updated 22 days ago

Bulgarian mayoral dismissals and eavesdropping probe

Overview

In July 2026, Bulgaria’s anti-corruption institutions acted against two municipal leaders. The Audit Chamber fined Stamboliyski mayor Petar Nedelov for authorizing payments to his sons’ firms, ordering repayment and a fine pending appeal; Nedelov has refused to resign, contesting the allegations and rejecting calls for early elections.

Two weeks later, the Supreme Administrative Court upheld a ruling against Gorna Oryahovitsa mayor Nikolay Rashkov, confirming a fine, a two-year ban from office, and the termination of his mandate after it was found he signed a contract to sell municipal land to a firm he once co-owned. On 22 July, the Audit Chamber escalated Rashkov’s case, referring him for early removal and instructing the Municipal Election Commission to end his powers and organize partial local elections.

A criminal dimension emerged on 30 July when the District Prosecutor’s Office in Veliko Tarnovo launched a probe into illegal listening devices discovered in the Gorna Oryahovitsa municipal building. The investigation, which began in March, targets an unknown perpetrator and has involved the interrogation of dozens of witnesses, including Rashkov.

On 20 August, the Administrative Court in Veliko Tarnovo overturned a decision by the Municipal Election Commission regarding the early termination of Rashkov’s powers. The commission had previously been split equally on the matter. The court has returned the case file to the commission for a new pronouncement within three days, a decision that remains subject to appeal.

Entities

Nikolay Rashkov · Administrative Court Veliko Tarnovo · Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipality · GERB · Gorna Oryahovitsa

Timeline

22 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Gorna Oryahovitsa Mayor Nikolay Rashkov retains post following court ruling
The Administrative Court in Veliko Tarnovo overturned a decision regarding the removal of Gorna Oryahovitsa Mayor Nikolay Rashkov, ordering the Municipal Election Commission to issue a new ruling.
about 1 month ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Gorna Oryahovitsa mayor Nikolay Rashkov faces probe over illegal municipal eavesdropping
Bulgarian prosecutors investigate illegal listening devices found in Gorna Oryahovitsa's municipal offices, interrogating mayor Nikolay Rashkov amid looming decisions on his tenure.
about 2 months ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Bulgaria's Audit Chamber moves to dismiss Gorna Oryahovitsa mayor Nikolay Rashkov
Bulgaria's Audit Chamber seeks early removal of Gorna Oryahovitsa mayor Nikolay Rashkov after courts upheld a conflict‑of‑interest ruling, prompting a move to terminate his term and schedule partial elections.
about 2 months ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Mayor Nikolay Rashkov of Gorna Oryahovitsa removed over conflict of interest, early elections set
Bulgaria’s Supreme Administrative Court found Gorna Oryahovitsa mayor Nikolay Rashkov in a conflict of interest over a land sale, imposed a fine and a two‑year ban, and ordered early elections on 22 Oct.
2 months ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Stamboliyski mayor faces conflict‑of‑interest ruling, rejects calls for early election
Bulgaria's audit chamber ruled Stamboliyski mayor Petar Nedelov conflicted by paying firms of his sons, imposing a fine and possible removal; he rejects calls for early elections.

Sources

asia.actualno.com · borbabg.com · dariknews.bg · fakti.bg · gymnasticinstinct.com · news.plovdiv24.bg · petel.bg · vesti.bg

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history