The arrest of Blagomir Kotsev, the mayor of Bulgaria’s third-largest city, Varna, on corruption charges has ignited protests in Sofia and other cities. Supporters of the detained politician claim the accusations against him are politically motivated, suggesting a government campaign targeting the opposition.
Kotsev, who was detained last week and formally charged, is accused of embezzling funds to finance his political party. These charges stem from a catering company owner’s accusation that Kotsev demanded a bribe to approve a contract. Kotsev has vehemently denied all accusations. Adding to the controversy, one official who testified against Kotsev later claimed he had been pressured to do so.
Widespread Protests and EU Condemnation
On July 16, thousands of people demonstrated in front of the courthouse in Sofia, carrying banners demanding his release and proclaiming “the law is not a weapon!” Expatriate Bulgarians also rallied outside the European Parliament in Brussels.
“We want to stop the lawlessness that is happening in the judicial system and for it to start working for the people,” Albena Simeonova, a 57-year-old teacher, told AFP in Sofia. This protest was one of several since Kotsev’s arrest, including rallies in Varna itself.
The Renew Europe group in the European Parliament, to which Kotsev’s party belongs, has also called for his release, labeling his arrest as “political repression” and condemning it as “a direct assault on European values.”
In addition to Kotsev, two municipal councilors from his coalition and a businessman were also arrested. The prosecutor’s office alleges that the four individuals participated in a criminal group that embezzled funds from a call for tenders.
Political Context and Allegations of Targeting
Bulgaria has been governed since January by a coalition led by the conservatives of the GERB party, headed by former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov. Borisov lost power in 2021 following widespread anti-corruption protests against his previous government.
Kotsev, representing the “We Continue the Change/Democratic Bulgaria” (PP-DB) coalition, was elected Mayor of Varna on November 6, 2023, defeating GERB opponent Ivan Portnih. This political dynamic fuels the claims that Kotsev’s arrest is a targeted move against an opposition figure.
