Bulgaria Nears Completion of Leva Withdrawal as 81% Taken Out of Circulation
As of February 6, 2026, Bulgaria continues to make steady progress in withdrawing the national currency, the leva, from circulation.
Ivaylo Mirchev, co-chairman of "Yes, Bulgaria," warned that the country faces a higher risk than Poland, as Russian drones can reach Bulgarian territory more easily. Speaking to journalists at the parliament, he described the recent shooting down of Russian drones over Poland as a highly dangerous development, urging Bulgarians to recognize that the conflict is not distant. “We must stop believing that Putin is a friendly figure toward Bulgaria. His intentions are clear, and we need to support Ukraine in every possible way,” Mirchev stressed.
Mirchev and fellow co-chair Bozhidar Bozhanov criticized the Ministry of Interior (MIA), claiming it operates under the influence of an informal circle led by Delyan Peevski of "DPS-New Beginning." Mirchev argued that public trust in the ministry has eroded due to what he called increasingly absurd explanations by Interior Minister Daniel Mitov and his deputies. “The ministry has effectively become a façade for an informal circle. The only proper response would be the immediate resignation of the Interior Minister,” he said.
Bozhanov highlighted that, according to Eurostat data, Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior ranks lowest in trust among European interior ministries. He cited systematic protection of criminals, interference in elections, suppression of protesters, and concealment of evidence as reasons for this distrust. He added that the ministry, under Peevski’s influence, has consolidated control, and instead of being accountable to the media and opposition, officials investigate internal disputes, such as threats by Koshlukov toward the CEM over the election of a new management team for BNT.
Both Mirchev and Bozhanov rejected claims by “Revival” leader Kostadin Kostadinov, who suggested that the WCC-DB coalition was one signature short of a no-confidence vote against the “Zhelyazkov” cabinet. According to them, WCC-DB is not seeking support from “Revival” and has no intention of aligning with Russia’s interests.
During consultations with President Iliana Yotova, "Greatness" party leader Ivelin Mihaylov emphasized the urgent challenge facing the caretaker government: halting ongoing harmful processes and initiating a positive recovery.
At a meeting held at GERB’s headquarters, party leader Boyko Borissov met with British Ambassador to Bulgaria, H.E. Nathaniel Copsey, to discuss issues of regional security, the strategic partnership between Bulgaria and the United Kingdom, and the import
Outgoing Bulgarian Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov confirmed that the Bulgarian Army is in the process of transitioning to NATO-standard weapons, a step aimed at modernizing its arsenal.
During consultations at the presidency, President Iliana Yotova welcomed representatives of the "Morality, Unity, Honor" (MECH) party, including party leader Radostin Vassilev, MECH parliamentary group chairman Kiril Veselinski, and MPs Krasimir Manov and
During consultations with President Iliana Yotova on the appointment of a caretaker prime minister, the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (APS) clearly expressed its position that Andrey Gyurov, the agreed deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank (BN
The civil association BOEC has announced the alleged discovery of a site linked to the Russian private military company Wagner near the Bulgarian village of Kladnitsa in Pernik region.
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