BulgariaOnAir: The Crisis Among Regulators Is Creating Chaos, in Which Corruption Thrives Best – 11.02.2025

Bulgaria ranks second to last in the EU in terms of corruption levels. This is noted in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index.

“There is a lack of reforms that would bring greater accountability and transparency to institutions, and there has been pressure against civil society over the past 2–3 years. It is a key factor and an effective tool for influencing public institutions,” commented Vanya Nusheva of Transparency International Bulgaria in the “Bulgaria Sutrin” (Bulgaria This Morning) studio.

According to her, the results of the study provide an assessment of the degree of democracy and fairness in the electoral process, the functioning of the democratic process, and economic reforms.

Speaking on Bulgaria ON AIR, Vanya Nusheva pointed out that there is a lack of political will among most of the political parties represented in parliament, and that the voters stand behind them.

“This is the result of a specific civic culture; there is a tolerance for the idea that our loved ones, business partners, and political representatives should have access to power,” Nusheva pointed out.

She stressed that the current situation suits those who make the decisions and the businesses that benefit from it.

Appointments to regulatory agencies

There was an emphasis that it is high time to replace the leadership positions, whose terms have long since expired.

“It is important what kind of people with what qualities enter these institutions. The Bulgarian people have shown great patience, and civil society’s energy has been exhausted,” Vanya Nusheva concluded on the topic.

Watch the entire interview with Ms. Vanya Kashukeeva-Nusheva at the BulgariaOnAir website.