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Bulgaria's Democracy at Risk Amid Protests and Influence

5/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Bulgaria's democracy is under threat as Delyan Peevski, a sanctioned figure, wields significant influence despite lacking formal authority. His party's backing is vital for the ruling coalition, even as public protests mount against him. The decline of judicial independence and external pressures, especially from Russia, expose critical vulnerabilities, prompting worries about the EU's stance on this democratic decline.

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Story summary

Bulgaria's democracy is under threat as Delyan Peevski, a sanctioned figure, wields significant influence despite lacking formal authority. His party's backing is vital for the ruling coalition, even as public protests mount against him. The decline of judicial independence and external pressures, especially from Russia, expose critical vulnerabilities, prompting worries about the EU's stance on this democratic decline.