Political Repression in Bulgaria: CC Leader Assen Vassilev Speaks Out

Strategic Insights -

Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev's arrest on Tuesday has been widely condemned as a case of political repression. CC leader Assen Vassilev has spoken out against the move, claiming that it is part of a larger effort by GERB leader Boyko Borissov to discredit the mayor and undermine the local government. Vassilev points to a company that won numerous contracts during the previous mayor's term, including a public procurement contract that the company lost last year. The company had appealed to the Commission for Protection of Competition, which ultimately upheld the municipality's decision, and the company was ordered to pay BGN 4,500. Vassilev suggests that the company's use of the Counter-Corruption Commission to file an alert against Kotsev is a clear example of political retribution.

Key Takeaways:

  • CC leader Assen Vassilev has condemned the arrest of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev as a case of political repression.
  • Vassilev claims that GERB leader Boyko Borissov is behind the move to discredit Kotsev and undermine the local government.
  • A company that won numerous contracts under the previous mayor's term, including 17 public contracts worth over BGN 6 million, has been accused of using the Counter-Corruption Commission to file an alert against Kotsev.
  • The company had appealed to the Commission for Protection of Competition, which ultimately upheld the municipality's decision, and the company was ordered to pay BGN 4,500.
  • Vassilev suggests that the company's use of the Counter-Corruption Commission is a clear example of political retribution.
  • CC will support its mayors and is planning a protest with citizens who want to elect their own mayor, rather than having one appointed by the Counter-Corruption Commission.
  • The case has been interpreted as a clear illustration of the abuse of power and the manipulation of institutions by the GERB party.

Statistics:

  • 17 public contracts worth over BGN 6 million were awarded to the company in question under the previous mayor's term.
  • The company's appeal to the Commission for Protection of Competition was upheld, and the company was ordered to pay BGN 4,500.
  • The company lost the public procurement contract for which the alert against Kotsev was filed on September 2, 2024.
  • The arrest of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev occurred on Tuesday, with his lawyer reporting that he was taken to a police station at 11:30 p.m.

Sources:

  • Reporter, no date: "CC leader Assen Vassilev speaks out against arrest of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev."
  • Facebook post by Assen Vassilev, no date: "You can see that they have been bragging since 2015 how they worked very well with GERB and Mr. Borissov personally."