Category Archives: Bulgaria

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Medi

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Medi

Medi, a popular pop-folk artist in Bulgaria, is a mentor on ‘The Voice of Bulgaria’ and is known for writing his own music and lyrics.

He initially aspired to be a tambura player and faced prejudice due to his Roma ethnicity before achieving fame, which he believes changed people’s perceptions of him.

Despite his success, Medi still struggles with self-doubt and emotional challenges, often drawing inspiration from his personal experiences in his music.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Vote Buying?

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Vote Buying?

Tsvetelin Kanchev, chairman of the “EuroRoma” party, claims that the buying of votes among the Roma community is becoming less common, with reports of Roma returning money offered for their votes during the presidential elections.

Voter turnout in the presidential runoff was 28.7%, with Roma voters reportedly favoring candidate Iliyana Yotova over Andrey Gyurov, while many expressed a desire for a balanced presidential candidate. Kanchev emphasizes that discrimination is now more social than ethnic, affecting the poor across various communities, and criticizes the lack of focus on Roma issues in the electoral campaign.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Bulgaria Language Law

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Bulgaria Language Law

The recent parliamentary vote on the Bulgarian language law indicates a shift towards nationalism, aligning with the ideologies of various political factions in Bulgaria, including the BSP and nationalist parties.

The law’s approval raises concerns about the rights of ethnic minorities in Bulgaria, suggesting that they may need permission to use their languages publicly, thus making them ‘invisible’ in society.

The article criticizes the law as a regressive step for Bulgaria’s European integration and warns of potential legal challenges in Strasbourg for violating minority rights.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Documentary

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Documentary

A documentary highlights early marriages and motherhood in Roma communities in Greece, focusing on the personal stories of women, particularly through the voice of a Roma influencer named Ourania.

The filmmakers emphasize the importance of portraying the complexity of individual experiences rather than generalizing the Roma community, aiming to avoid stereotypes and biases.

The documentary was screened at the 14th Chania Film Festival and aims to foster dialogue about sensitive social issues while respecting the dignity of the individuals involved. 

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Bulgaria and Roma

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Bulgaria and Roma

Bulgaria states it has met its national goals for 2030 regarding the participation of Roma children in preschool education and high school graduation, according to the European Commission’s report.

The report highlights improvements in Roma employment and educational participation, with over 1300 educational mediators transitioning to permanent state-funded positions.

Despite progress, poverty remains high among Roma communities, with 77% of Roma children at risk of poverty and significant disparities in living conditions and health outcomes compared to the general population.

  • ЕС: България е изпълнила националните си цели за образованието на ромите. In: Club Z. 03.11.2026. https://clubz.bg/181368
Bulgaria Europe News Eastern Europe

Anti-Roma Discrimination

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Anti-Roma Discrimination

An International Roma Coalition is urging the European Commission to appoint a coordinator against anti-Roma discrimination and provide funding for protection against racist violence, as highlighted in a petition awaiting signatures from Bulgaria.

Representatives from ten European countries will present the petition on November 5 in the European Parliament, demanding special mechanisms to protect Roma from discrimination and hate crimes.

The petition emphasizes the low reporting rates of discrimination among Roma, attributing it to a lack of trust in state institutions rather than a decrease in discrimination itself.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Bulgarian Elections

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Bulgarian Elections

Three reports of alleged violations were received by the Regional Election Commission in Pazardzhik on election day.

Two reports from the organization “Awake People” involved claims of improper assistance at polling stations and concerns about a group speaking Romani language, suggesting possible electioneering.

The third report, from a municipal councilor, related to pre-election campaigning on Facebook, which the commission deemed unacceptable but not sanctionable under the Election Code.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Voting Fraud?

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Voting Fraud?

Thirteen individuals were arrested in the Stara Zagora region during an operation targeting crimes related to citizens’ political rights, with an additional seven wanted by authorities. The police operation, conducted before the presidential runoff, involved checks on 876 individuals, 375 vehicles, and various businesses, revealing issues beyond vote-buying, including drug possession and theft.

The Interior Minister noted increased activity in Roma neighborhoods ahead of the election, urging for a peaceful voting process, as turnout in Roma sections was low during the first round.

Bulgaria Europe News Eastern Europe

“XVth World Roma Congress”

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“XVth World Roma Congress”

The 15th International Romani Congress is taking place in Sofia, Bulgaria, from October 29 to 31, with representatives from around 25 countries, including Turkey, the UK, and the US.

Toma Mladenov, president of the organizing association O’GI E ROMENGO, emphasized unity among the Romani community, which numbers approximately 14 million worldwide.

The congress focuses on advocating for the rights and development opportunities of the Romani community, particularly in education and healthcare access, while stressing the importance of their own voices being heard.

None of the traditional Romani politics movements such as the Internatiuonal Romani Union are participating.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Stolipinovo

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Stolipinovo

A German journalist visited the Plovdiv neighborhood of Stolipinovo to challenge the stereotype of it being the ‘most dangerous destination in the world.’

She highlighted both the visible issues in the area, such as waste and poor infrastructure, and the everyday life of its residents, including shops and social interactions.

The report emphasizes the need to recognize systemic issues and discrimination affecting the community, rather than attributing problems solely to the residents themselves.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Bulgaria Presidential Vote

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Bulgaria Presidential Vote

In the first round of presidential elections, Radostin Vasilev performed well in Roma neighborhoods, receiving more votes than his competitors Iliana Yotova and Andrey Gyurov in several sections. Vislev is heading a populist nationalist party, so effectively Roma voted against themselves …

Voter turnout in these areas was notably low, ranging from 2-9%, with many sections reporting only a handful of votes cast.

The reasons for the low turnout include the absence of vote-buying, and Vasilev’s unexpected success raises questions about his appeal among the Roma community.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Dance

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Dance

The project “Dance – a bridge between culture, tradition, and friendship” aims to foster educational integration and intercultural competence among students from different ethnic backgrounds through dance and cultural heritage exploration.

The school has a student group for Roma dance called “Dance Roma,” which promotes creativity, teamwork, and cultural identity, culminating in participation in the Children’s Roma Festival “Open Heart” in Veliko Tarnovo.

An educational visit to the village of Chelopek is planned to enhance learning outside the classroom, focusing on the region’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Roma and the Election

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Roma and the Election

A 77-year-old election commission member, Mariyana Angelova, was removed from her position after alleging that the commission chairman was improperly assisting voters by directly indicating choices instead of explaining the voting process.

Angelova claims that many voters from a local Roma neighborhood were unable to read or write and needed help, but she insists that the chairman’s actions violated the secrecy of the vote.

Despite being accused of political agitation and racial insults, Angelova denies these allegations and plans to appeal her removal, expressing concern for her family’s safety in the current political climate.

In the Burgas Romani neithbourhoods of Pobeda and Komluka, less than 5% of registered voters voted. Many residents, primarily of Roma origin, expressed disinterest in voting due to unmet expectations and frustrations with the voting machines.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Brawl

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Brawl

New mass brawls and street fights occurred between two rival clans in the Roma neighborhood of Petrich, Bulgaria, resulting in injuries and police intervention. The police had to fire shots into the air to disperse the fighting crowd, and one person has been detained while others involved are being sought.

Tensions remain high in the area, with increased police presence and potential assistance from gendarmerie to ensure resident safety amid ongoing clan conflicts.

Bad …

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Health Checks

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Health Checks

A national initiative by the Bulgarian Ministry of Health aims to improve access to medical care in the Dobrich region through mobile medical units, offering various health screenings.

The program targets vulnerable communities, including Roma citizens and families in difficult social situations, to enhance preventive care and timely diagnosis.

The initiative is part of a broader national strategy for health equity and inclusion, with no specified dates for the screenings yet.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Desegregation?

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Desegregation?

The regional council for ethnic and integration issues in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria,  will discuss the desegregation of minorities, following a meeting between local officials and the Amalipe Center leadership.

Key topics include school retention for children, overcoming segregation, preventing youth aggression, and addressing early marriages, with a report to be presented to the government based on expert opinions.

The Amalipe Center is actively working with schools and conducting a mental health survey among minority representatives, while advocating for civic engagement and addressing the lack of political representation for Roma and minorities since 2009.

  • Областна администрация и “Амалипе” с инициатива срещу сегрегацията в региона. In: Borbag. 19.10.2026. https://www.borbabg.com/2026/10/19/oblastna-administratsiya-i-amalipe/
  • Областният съвет за етнически и интеграционни въпроси във Велико Търново ще обсъди десегрегацията на малцинствата в региона. In: Utro Ruse. 189.10.2026.https://utroruse.com/amp/1328681/
Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Bulgaria: Vote Buying?

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Bulgaria: Vote Buying?

Roma in Ruse were reportedly offered around 300 euros per vote during the elections.

Their leader, Varban Varbanov, organized a protest to alert authorities about political pressure and threats he received from a local party representative.

Varbanov claims that intermediaries were pressuring him to influence the Roma community to vote for a specific presidential candidate pair in the upcoming elections.

https://youtu.be/tucKgTBIVmU

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Bulgarian Presidential Election

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Bulgarian Presidential Election

According to the Bulgarian press and a large number of articles, measures are being taken to ensure free voting for citizens in the upcoming presidential elections, as stated by the acting chief secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Lyubomir Nikolov.

Efforts are focused on combating vote buying, with 140 police operations conducted primarily in Roma neighbourhoods, resulting in two pre-trial proceedings. There are widely shared views that votes canm be bought in Roma neighbourhoods.

The Ministry is also monitoring cyber threats closely, particularly on election day, and is investigating a recent arson incident involving Starlink antennas near Sofia.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Theatre

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Theatre

The theater group “Stolivud” in the multicultural neighborhood of Stolipinovo aims to promote tolerance and unity through art, featuring members from diverse ethnic backgrounds including Bulgarians, Roma, Turks, and others.

Their upcoming performance, “Missed Call,” will explore the five stages of grief and is set for November 13, 2026, at the State Puppet Theater in Plovdiv, with a charitable focus on helping homeless cats.

The group emphasizes the importance of overcoming challenges and using theater as a means to foster community connections and positive change.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Child Marriage

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Child Marriage

Zlatka V., a 16-year-old Romni from Plovdiv, shares her traumatic experience of being sold into marriage at 14, highlighting the issue of child brides in Bulgaria and the lack of awareness about International Day of the Girl.

UNICEF reports that over 70 million girls are sold into marriage annually, with many more in unregistered unions, particularly among the Roma community in Bulgaria.

The article emphasizes the rising violence against girls in schools, domestic abuse, and the need for more attention to the plight of girls beyond just one day of recognition each year.

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