Ex-Minister Charged Over ID Contract

Bulgaria 25 April 2025 20:00

The Sofia City Prosecution Office has charged former caretaker interior minister Ivan Demerdzhiev with mismanagement causing damages of BGN 1.48 million. The charges relate to a June 2, 2023 contract that allegedly violated public procurement rules by increasing prices for a new Bulgarian ID system without required legal and market assessments, CE Report quotes BTA

Demerdzhiev, who served until June 6, 2023, was charged ten days ago and released on BGN 10,000 bail. Prosecutors say he failed to follow proper procedures, causing significant financial harm.

In a Facebook response, Demerdzhiev called the charges politically motivated, accusing MRF figure Delyan Peevski of orchestrating the case through institutional pressure. He defended the contract as legal and beneficial, arguing it led to cheaper, more secure ID cards and was approved by oversight agencies.

President Rumen Radev voiced support for Demerdzhiev, calling him a capable minister and criticizing the political climate surrounding the investigation.

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Ex-Minister Charged Over ID Contract

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