
Published: 13 July 2025 | Author: Dr. Dimitar Keranov
When Bulgarian Democracy Falters
In an official statement dated 12 July 2025, the liberal-centrist Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament condemned the “escalating assault on democratic institutions and the rule of law in Bulgaria, exemplified by the politically motivated arrest of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev on 8 July 2025.” Kotsev is a member of We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (PP–DB), which is affiliated with Renew Europe.
The statement notes that the arrest was “carried out under dubious circumstances just hours before a crucial municipal budget vote” and is described as “a clear case of political persecution and a dangerous misuse of state power against the opposition.”
The President of Renew Europe, Valérie Hayer, further explains that “ongoing attacks on democratic standards and the blatant use of justice institutions to target political opponents in Bulgaria are deeply alarming. This is a direct assault on European values, and we call on the Bulgarian authorities to immediately release Mayor Kotsev and put an end to this political repression. Europe cannot remain silent when the rule of law is threatened within our Union.”
Whether one agrees with PP–DB’s policies or not, the rule of law should apply equally to all. Political arrests and judicial harassment are unacceptable in any democracy. If such actions are taking place in an EU member state, it raises serious questions about the Union’s ability to uphold its own founding principles.
How long can Brussels afford to stay silent while democracy is undermined from within?