The arrest of Blagomir Kotsev, the Mayor of Varna and a member of the opposition party “We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria,” has sparked widespread protests across Bulgaria and reached beyond its borders to cities like Brussels, Berlin, and London. Kotsev was detained on July 8, 2025, under allegations of embezzling public funds linked to a catering contract. He has strongly denied these accusations, labeling the case a politically motivated attack. The situation intensified when a key witness admitted their testimony had been coerced, raising questions about the integrity of the legal procedures involved.
During a hearing in Sofia’s appellate court, prosecutors submitted 59 pages of additional evidence, which Kotsev’s defense team dismissed as irrelevant and indicative of a smear campaign against him. The high-profile nature of the arrest has galvanized supporters within Bulgaria’s reformist circles and attracted attention from European political allies. For instance, Vasil Terziev, the mayor of Sofia, publicly condemned the arrest as an example of selective justice, while the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament characterized it as a case of political repression that threatens the democratic norms of the EU.
In reaction to Kotsev’s arrest, protests erupted throughout Bulgaria, with demonstrators rallying around slogans like “The law is not a weapon.” The unrest was not limited to local protests; international solidarity was evident as supporters organized demonstrations in major European cities. This wave of protests highlights the growing discontent with the judicial system in Bulgaria and the perceived marginalization of opposition voices.
The arrest has also jeopardized Bulgarian-German relations. Tensions escalated following the sighting of Germany’s ambassador to Bulgaria at a protest in Varna, where he expressed public support for Kotsev’s supporters. This unprecedented act of diplomatic solidarity sparked a swift response from the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry, which issued a formal note criticizing what it deemed as direct interference in the country’s judicial proceedings. Although Germany has yet to provide an official response, the ambassador’s involvement underscores Berlin’s increasing concerns regarding rule-of-law issues affecting EU states.
As Bulgaria seeks to solidify its position within the eurozone and the Schengen area, the unfolding crisis surrounding Kotsev’s arrest places additional scrutiny on the country’s commitment to judicial independence and anti-corruption reforms. The government stands under mounting pressure to ensure that its legal system functions fairly and transparently, addressing both domestic and international criticisms.
The ongoing developments surrounding Kotsev’s arrest not only reflect the current political climate in Bulgaria but could also have lasting implications for its relationships within the EU. The situation poses significant challenges for the Bulgarian government as it navigates the complex political landscape while aiming to fulfill its reform commitments. The response from Bulgarian officials and the unfolding protests will likely shape the future of political discourse and judicial integrity in the country.
