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Varna Mayor Detained on Corruption Charges Amid Protests

9/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev remains in custody after Sofia Appellate Court ordered detention on corruption charges; Judge Stefan Iliev cited risk of crimes, not flight.
Renew Europe group urged the EU to suspend payments to Bulgaria.
Protests in Varna and Sofia; witnesses' statements questioned amid police pressure.
The case raises concerns about a GERB alliance with Delyan Peevski against the opposition.

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Story summary

Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev remains in custody after Sofia Appellate Court ordered detention on corruption charges; Judge Stefan Iliev cited risk of crimes, not flight.
Renew Europe group urged the EU to suspend payments to Bulgaria.
Protests in Varna and Sofia; witnesses' statements questioned amid police pressure.
The case raises concerns about a GERB alliance with Delyan Peevski against the opposition.