A no-confidence vote on Wednesday toppled Bulgaria's government and Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, who had pledged to tackle corruption and took an unusually strong stance against Russia.

Opposition lawmakers brought down the government - which took power six months ago - on a 123-116 vote after the ruling coalition lost its majority over disputes on budget spending and whether Bulgaria should unlock North Macedonia's EU accession.

They accused the government of failing to implement fiscal and economic policies to tame surging inflation in the European Union's poorest member state.

Bulgaria now faces possibly its fourth general election since April 2021, putting at risk millions of euros from EU recovery funds and its plans to adopt the euro in 2024.

"This vote is only one small step in a very long way," Petkov said following the vote. "What they fail to understand is that this is not the way to win the Bulgarian people."

Petkov, a 42-year-old Harvard graduate who had pledged to combat corruption, has taken a strong pro-European and pro-NATO position since Russia invaded Ukraine, an unusual stance for a country traditionally friendly toward Moscow.

Petkov sacked his defence minister in February for refusing to call the Russian invasion of Ukraine "war", backed EU sanctions against Moscow and agreed to repair Ukraine's heavy military machinery while stopping short of sending arms to Kyiv.

The ensuing political gridlock may also hinder Bulgaria's efforts to secure stable natural gas inflows after Moscow cut gas deliveries to the country, which was almost completely reliant on Russian gas, over Sofia's refusal to pay in roubles.

Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev expressed hope parliament would still vote to approve budget changes drafted to raise state pensions and support households as food and fuel prices surge.

The former coalition partner ITN left the government after accusing Petkov of disregarding Bulgaria's interests by pushing to lift its veto on North Macedonia's EU accession talks under pressure from its EU and NATO allies.

Petkov has argued that any decision on the veto should be put to vote in parliament. Earlier on Wednesday, in a sudden shift, the main opposition GERB party said it would support lifting of the veto, but political bickering prevented a debate on the issue.

Lawmakers will now meet again on Thursday to discuss whether Sofia should unlock Skopje's EU accession. Petkov will maintain Bulgaria's veto at the EU summit this week, unless the parliament gives him a different mandate.

Petkov has rejected any coalition talks with opposition parties in the chamber but will seek defections from lawmakers to garner enough support for a new government and avoid early elections.

President Rumen Radev is required to call elections within two months and appoint a caretaker administration should Petkov fail to cobble together a majority for a new cabinet and if two other parties in parliament cannot form a government.

The motion against the ruling coalition was proposed by the GERB party of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, which is likely to benefit from fresh polls alongside pro-Russian parties like nationalist Revival in a society polarised by economic problems and the Ukraine war.

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A no-confidence vote on Wednesday toppled Bulgaria's government and Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, who had pledged to tackle corruption and took an unusually strong stance against Russia.

A no-confidence vote on Wednesday toppled Bulgaria's government and Prime Minister Kiril Petkov, who had pledged to tackle corruption and took an unusually strong stance against Russia. Opposition lawmakers brought down the government - which took power six months ago - on a 123-116 vote after the ruling coalition lost its majority over disputes on budget spending and whether Bulgaria should unlock North Macedonia's EU accession. They accused the government of failing to implement fiscal and economic policies to tame surging inflation in the European Union's poorest member state. Bulgaria now faces possibly its fourth general election since April 2021, putting at risk millions of euros from EU recovery funds and its plans to adopt the euro in 2024. "This vote is only one small step in a very long way," Petkov said following the vote. "What they fail to understand is that this is not the way to win the Bulgarian people." Petkov, a 42-year-old Harvard graduate who had pledged to combat corruption, has taken a strong pro-European and pro-NATO position since Russia invaded Ukraine, an unusual stance for a country traditionally friendly toward Moscow. Petkov sacked his defence minister in February for refusing to call the Russian invasion of Ukraine "war", backed EU sanctions against Moscow and agreed to repair Ukraine's heavy military machinery while stopping short of sending arms to Kyiv. The ensuing political gridlock may also hinder Bulgaria's efforts to secure stable natural gas inflows after Moscow cut gas deliveries to the country, which was almost completely reliant on Russian gas, over Sofia's refusal to pay in roubles. Deputy Prime Minister Assen Vassilev expressed hope parliament would still vote to approve budget changes drafted to raise state pensions and support households as food and fuel prices surge. The former coalition partner ITN left the government after accusing Petkov of disregarding Bulgaria's interests by pushing to lift its veto on North Macedonia's EU accession talks under pressure from its EU and NATO allies. Petkov has argued that any decision on the veto should be put to vote in parliament. Earlier on Wednesday, in a sudden shift, the main opposition GERB party said it would support lifting of the veto, but political bickering prevented a debate on the issue. Lawmakers will now meet again on Thursday to discuss whether Sofia should unlock Skopje's EU accession. Petkov will maintain Bulgaria's veto at the EU summit this week, unless the parliament gives him a different mandate. Petkov has rejected any coalition talks with opposition parties in the chamber but will seek defections from lawmakers to garner enough support for a new government and avoid early elections. President Rumen Radev is required to call elections within two months and appoint a caretaker administration should Petkov fail to cobble together a majority for a new cabinet and if two other parties in parliament cannot form a government. The motion against the ruling coalition was proposed by the GERB party of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, which is likely to benefit from fresh polls alongside pro-Russian parties like nationalist Revival in a society polarised by economic problems and the Ukraine war. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Bulgarian government loses no-confidence vote, early elections loom

A political storm has ascended over the Balkan country of Bulgaria, the six-month-old government has collapsed in a no-confidence vote in parliament potentially setting the stage for a refresh round of elections. The center-right Opposition party and former ruling ally have toppled Prime Minister Kiril Petkov's government.

Bulgaria Political Crisis: PM's Govt collapses in no-confidence vote

A political storm has ascended over the Balkan country of Bulgaria, the six-month-old government has collapsed in a no-confidence vote in parliament potentially setting the stage for a refresh round of elections.

Bulgaria Political Crisis: Petkov's party to get second chance to propose government

Russia's Gazprom stopped exporting natural gas to Poland and Bulgaria after both nations refused to make payments in Rouble. But reports say at least 10 European companies have agreed to Putin's rouble-only demand. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Russia stops exporting gas to Poland & Bulgaria

Russia will stop supplying gas to Poland and Bulgaria, this comes as an escalation in deepening tensions between the West and Moscow amid the invasion of Ukraine. Poland's state-owned company has said that supplies from energy giant Gazprom via Ukraine and Belarus will be cut off.

Poland, Bulgaria face Russian gas cuts

As the war rages on in Ukraine, the West accuses Russia of threatening Europe over gas supplies. Russia has halted its gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria and gas supplies will remain halted until all payments are made in rubles.

Russia cuts gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria amid escalating crisis

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, on Wednesday (April 27) vowed that the bloc will give Russia a ''coordinated response'' after it blocked gas supply to its members Poland and Bulgaria.

Calling Russian gas giant Gazprom's announcement "unjustified and unacceptable", Leyen said it was ''yet another attempt by Russia to use gas as an instrument of blackmail.''

However, Gazprom said it made the decision after Poland and Bulgaria failed to make their payments for gas in roubles.

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According to Von der Leyen, “Member States have put in place contingency plans for just such a scenario and we worked with them in coordination and solidarity.”

“We are mapping out our coordinated EU response. We will also continue working with international partners to secure alternative flows,” she told the news agency Reuters.

Officials of the EU are holding emergency talks after Russia's abrupt decision to turn off supplies to the nations of the bloc.

Defence experts have called the move Russia's toughest response yet to the sanctions imposed on Moscow due its invasion of Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-accuses-russia-of-trying-to-destabilise-separatist-region-in-moldova-474159" hreflang="en">Ukraine accuses Russia of trying to destabilise separatist region in Moldova</a>

“Alternative supplies are available, and Bulgaria hopes that alternative routes and supplies will also be secured at EU level,” said Energy Minister Alexander Nikolov.

“As long as I am Minister, Bulgaria will not negotiate under pressure, Bulgaria is not for sale and does not succumb to any trade counterpart,” Nikolov added.

Meanwhile, the executive director of the Paris-based International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol tweeted that Russia's decision is a “weaponisation of energy supplies”.

Watch WION's live TV here:

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Russia is Europe's largest supplier of natural gas and petroleum oils but the bloc has been trying to boycott it after Moscow's ''special military operation'' in Ukraine.

The bloc is trying to find an alternative for it as currently it gas storage is only 32 per cent but it wants to fill it 80 per cent by November.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, on Wednesday (April 27) vowed that the bloc will give Russia a ''coordinated response'' after it blocked gas supply to its members Poland and Bulgaria.

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, on Wednesday (April 27) vowed that the bloc will give Russia a ''coordinated response'' after it blocked gas supply to its members Poland and Bulgaria. Calling Russian gas giant Gazprom's announcement "unjustified and unacceptable", Leyen said it was ''yet another attempt by Russia to use gas as an instrument of blackmail.'' However, Gazprom said it made the decision after Poland and Bulgaria failed to make their payments for gas in roubles. According to Von der Leyen, “Member States have put in place contingency plans for just such a scenario and we worked with them in coordination and solidarity.” “We are mapping out our coordinated EU response. We will also continue working with international partners to secure alternative flows,” she told the news agency Reuters. Officials of the EU are holding emergency talks after Russia's abrupt decision to turn off supplies to the nations of the bloc. Defence experts have called the move Russia's toughest response yet to the sanctions imposed on Moscow due its invasion of Ukraine. Also read | Ukraine accuses Russia of trying to destabilise separatist region in Moldova “Alternative supplies are available, and Bulgaria hopes that alternative routes and supplies will also be secured at EU level,” said Energy Minister Alexander Nikolov. “As long as I am Minister, Bulgaria will not negotiate under pressure, Bulgaria is not for sale and does not succumb to any trade counterpart,” Nikolov added. Meanwhile, the executive director of the Paris-based International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol tweeted that Russia's decision is a “weaponisation of energy supplies”. Watch WION's live TV here: Russia is Europe's largest supplier of natural gas and petroleum oils but the bloc has been trying to boycott it after Moscow's ''special military operation'' in Ukraine. The bloc is trying to find an alternative for it as currently it gas storage is only 32 per cent but it wants to fill it 80 per cent by November. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union vows 'coordinated response' against Russia's gas stoppage

World number seven Andrey Rublev needed only 90 minutes to defeat Grigor Dimitrov 7-5 6-2 and reach the last four at Indian Wells with his 13th consecutive victory.

The Dubai champion benefited from some poor serving by his Bulgarian opponent, who had five double faults and was broken four times after having previously lost his serve once at this year's tournament.

Rublev was not at his best and struggled to close out the first set, being broken to love as Dimitorv levelled at 5-5, which led the intense Russian to drop his racket and loudly vent his frustration to the players'&nbsp;box.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-wells-rafael-nadal-extends-unbeaten-streak-to-19-after-going-past-nick-kyrgios-enters-semis-463542">Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal extends unbeaten streak to 19 after going past Nick Kyrgios, enters semis</a>

But he regrouped to break back in the next game and fired his fourth ace to take the first set.

Rublev struggled again near the finish line, letting a match point slip away on Dimitrov's serve at 5-1 and then facing a breakpoint on his own serve at 5-2.

But he once again righted the ship and sealed the win when Dimitrov sent a service return long on match point.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/seven-time-formula-one-champion-lewis-hamilton-says-gala-fine-will-help-under-privileged-youth-463550">Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton says gala fine will help under-privileged youth</a>

Rublev said in an on-court interview: "I knew I had to serve well because of the way he plays from the baseline, the way he moves, the way he plays with the forehand. It was going to be really tough if I played a bit passive.

"I had to be aggressive because I knew it would come down to who would be the first one to start to dictate play."

Rublev will face either Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic or American Taylor Fritz on Saturday for a spot in the final of the Masters 1000 tournament in the California desert.

World number seven Andrey Rublev needed only 90 minutes to defeat Grigor Dimitrov 7-5 6-2 and reach the last four at Indian Wells with his 13th consecutive victory.

World number seven Andrey Rublev needed only 90 minutes to defeat Grigor Dimitrov 7-5 6-2 and reach the last four at Indian Wells with his 13th consecutive victory. The Dubai champion benefited from some poor serving by his Bulgarian opponent, who had five double faults and was broken four times after having previously lost his serve once at this year's tournament. Rublev was not at his best and struggled to close out the first set, being broken to love as Dimitorv levelled at 5-5, which led the intense Russian to drop his racket and loudly vent his frustration to the players' box. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Rafael Nadal extends unbeaten streak to 19 after going past Nick Kyrgios, enters semis But he regrouped to break back in the next game and fired his fourth ace to take the first set. Rublev struggled again near the finish line, letting a match point slip away on Dimitrov's serve at 5-1 and then facing a breakpoint on his own serve at 5-2. But he once again righted the ship and sealed the win when Dimitrov sent a service return long on match point. ALSO READ: Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton says gala fine will help under-privileged youth Rublev said in an on-court interview: "I knew I had to serve well because of the way he plays from the baseline, the way he moves, the way he plays with the forehand. It was going to be really tough if I played a bit passive. "I had to be aggressive because I knew it would come down to who would be the first one to start to dictate play." Rublev will face either Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic or American Taylor Fritz on Saturday for a spot in the final of the Masters 1000 tournament in the California desert.

Indian Wells: Andrey Rublev eases past Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov to enter semi-finals

Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said on Saturday that the US is going to provide his country a Stryker mechanized infantry company for its battlegroup under NATO's drive to bolster its eastern flank.

"The USA agreed to provide a Stryker company," he told a press conference with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. "This is a strong sign to all of our allies in NATO."

"I wanted to underscore the importance of the announcement that Bulgaria has established and is leading a NATO multinational battlegroup. It is an important step and we fully support it," Austin said.

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It comes after Bulgaria's foreign ministry announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats.&nbsp;

The EU member said they had breached international conventions on diplomatic ties, a formulation often used by the ministry to designate espionage.&nbsp;

Petkov said Bulgaria would continue to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine and take in Ukrainian refugees from the war, but it was not considering sending any weaponry to Kyiv for the time being as his Black Sea country was too close to the conflict.

Bulgaria, once Moscow's closest ally during the Cold War era but a NATO and European Union member state, is establishing a battlegroup of up to 1,000 troops under the operational command of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

The battlegroup is expected to host troops from other allied countries as well.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-time-for-meaningful-talks-says-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-463642">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky</a>

Speaking after chairing a NATO summit, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the 30-nation organization will send parts of the NATO Response Force and elements of a quickly deployable spearhead unit to the alliance’s eastern flank. It’s the first time the force has been used to defend NATO allies.

In response to Europe’s biggest security crisis in decades, Stoltenberg said, “We are now deploying the NATO Response Force for the first time in a collective defense context. We speak about thousands of troops. We speak about air and maritime capabilities.”

“There must be no space for miscalculation or misunderstanding. We will do what it takes to protect and defend every ally, and every inch of NATO territory,” he said.

The NRF can number up to 40,000 troops, but Stoltenberg said that NATO would not be deploying the entire force. Parts of a spearhead unit known in NATO jargon as the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, which is currently led by France, will also be sent.

The announcement came after NATO members, ranging from Russia’s neighbor Estonia in the north down around the west of conflict-hit Ukraine to Bulgaria on the Black Sea coast, triggered urgent consultations Thursday about their security amid concerns from the invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said on Saturday that the US is going to provide his country a Stryker mechanized infantry company for its battlegroup under NATO's drive to bolster its eastern flank.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said on Saturday that the US is going to provide his country a Stryker mechanized infantry company for its battlegroup under NATO's drive to bolster its eastern flank. "The USA agreed to provide a Stryker company," he told a press conference with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. "This is a strong sign to all of our allies in NATO." "I wanted to underscore the importance of the announcement that Bulgaria has established and is leading a NATO multinational battlegroup. It is an important step and we fully support it," Austin said. It comes after Bulgaria's foreign ministry announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats. The EU member said they had breached international conventions on diplomatic ties, a formulation often used by the ministry to designate espionage. Petkov said Bulgaria would continue to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine and take in Ukrainian refugees from the war, but it was not considering sending any weaponry to Kyiv for the time being as his Black Sea country was too close to the conflict. Bulgaria, once Moscow's closest ally during the Cold War era but a NATO and European Union member state, is establishing a battlegroup of up to 1,000 troops under the operational command of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe. The battlegroup is expected to host troops from other allied countries as well. Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky Speaking after chairing a NATO summit, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the 30-nation organization will send parts of the NATO Response Force and elements of a quickly deployable spearhead unit to the alliance’s eastern flank. It’s the first time the force has been used to defend NATO allies. In response to Europe’s biggest security crisis in decades, Stoltenberg said, “We are now deploying the NATO Response Force for the first time in a collective defense context. We speak about thousands of troops. We speak about air and maritime capabilities.” “There must be no space for miscalculation or misunderstanding. We will do what it takes to protect and defend every ally, and every inch of NATO territory,” he said. The NRF can number up to 40,000 troops, but Stoltenberg said that NATO would not be deploying the entire force. Parts of a spearhead unit known in NATO jargon as the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, which is currently led by France, will also be sent. The announcement came after NATO members, ranging from Russia’s neighbor Estonia in the north down around the west of conflict-hit Ukraine to Bulgaria on the Black Sea coast, triggered urgent consultations Thursday about their security amid concerns from the invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

US to provide Stryker army company to Bulgaria under NATO's drive to bolster its eastern flank

Over 40 people, including children, killed after a bus crashed and caught fire in western Bulgaria. The cause of the crash is still not confirmed.

Bulgaria: At least 45 killed as bus catches fire on highway

In Bulgaria, a newly founded anti-corruption party's leading in parliamentary elections. At least, four exit polls suggest a narrow lead, the data suggests increased chances of an end to a political deadlock in the European Union states.

Bulgaria: Anti-corruption party leads in exit polls, gains edge with 26% voters

Bulgarians vote on Sunday in their third parliamentary election this year, with opinion polls pointing to another inconclusive result that could hamper efforts to tackle high energy prices, a jump in COVID-19 cases and widespread corruption.

Another failure to break a prolonged political impasse and forge a functioning cabinet in the European Union's poorest member state could also potentially slow plans for the country to adopt the euro by 2024.

An election for the largely ceremonial post of president will also be held on Sunday. Polls show incumbent Rumen Radev, 58, is poised to win re-election for a second five-year term after a likely run-off vote on November 21.

Bulgaria has been gripped by political uncertainty since April, when an election ended the decade-long rule of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and his centre-right GERB party following massive anti-graft protests against him last year.

Policy differences and rivalry prevented his opponents, the so-called parties of change, from forging a ruling coalition after the April election and another ballot in July.

GERB has seized on the deadlock, rising energy costs and a rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths in the EU's least vaccinated country - helping it bolster support among party loyalists.

The latest polls give the party backing of 24 per cent, putting it on track to be the biggest in parliament.

But Borissov, 62, a burly former bodyguard of late Communist dictator Todor Zhivkov, is unlikely to find allies to forge a coalition, analysts say.

A new centrist party pledging "zero corruption", set up by two Harvard-educated former interim ministers, is seen as having the biggest chance of steering talks for a new administration with two other anti-graft factions and the Socialists.

Called "We Continue the Change", the new party appears tied with the Socialists for second position, both with support of about 15-16 per cent.

"For the time being, a government around the so-called parties of change, and the Socialists, looks more likely," said analyst Dobromir Zhivkov at the Market Links pollster.

Ivailo Mihailov, a 52-year-old engineer, said he hoped Sunday's election would yield a ruling coalition to address high-level graft in the country - ranked the most corrupt EU member state by Transparency International.

"The judicial system is the biggest problem or rather the lack of justice," he said. "Until we have a politician and leading businessman actually sentenced, nothing good will happen."

Thousands of Bulgarians joined street protests in mid-2020, accusing Borissov of cosying up with the chief prosecutor to benefit local oligarchs and businesses close to his GERB party.

Borissov denies any wrongdoing.

Polls open at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) and close at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT).

Bulgarians vote on Sunday in their third parliamentary election this year, with opinion polls pointing to another inconclusive result that could hamper efforts to tackle high energy prices, a jump in COVID-19 cases and widespread corruption.

Bulgarians vote on Sunday in their third parliamentary election this year, with opinion polls pointing to another inconclusive result that could hamper efforts to tackle high energy prices, a jump in COVID-19 cases and widespread corruption. Another failure to break a prolonged political impasse and forge a functioning cabinet in the European Union's poorest member state could also potentially slow plans for the country to adopt the euro by 2024. An election for the largely ceremonial post of president will also be held on Sunday. Polls show incumbent Rumen Radev, 58, is poised to win re-election for a second five-year term after a likely run-off vote on November 21. Bulgaria has been gripped by political uncertainty since April, when an election ended the decade-long rule of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and his centre-right GERB party following massive anti-graft protests against him last year. Policy differences and rivalry prevented his opponents, the so-called parties of change, from forging a ruling coalition after the April election and another ballot in July. GERB has seized on the deadlock, rising energy costs and a rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths in the EU's least vaccinated country - helping it bolster support among party loyalists. The latest polls give the party backing of 24 per cent, putting it on track to be the biggest in parliament. But Borissov, 62, a burly former bodyguard of late Communist dictator Todor Zhivkov, is unlikely to find allies to forge a coalition, analysts say. A new centrist party pledging "zero corruption", set up by two Harvard-educated former interim ministers, is seen as having the biggest chance of steering talks for a new administration with two other anti-graft factions and the Socialists. Called "We Continue the Change", the new party appears tied with the Socialists for second position, both with support of about 15-16 per cent. "For the time being, a government around the so-called parties of change, and the Socialists, looks more likely," said analyst Dobromir Zhivkov at the Market Links pollster. Ivailo Mihailov, a 52-year-old engineer, said he hoped Sunday's election would yield a ruling coalition to address high-level graft in the country - ranked the most corrupt EU member state by Transparency International. "The judicial system is the biggest problem or rather the lack of justice," he said. "Until we have a politician and leading businessman actually sentenced, nothing good will happen." Thousands of Bulgarians joined street protests in mid-2020, accusing Borissov of cosying up with the chief prosecutor to benefit local oligarchs and businesses close to his GERB party. Borissov denies any wrongdoing. Polls open at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) and close at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT).

Bulgarians vote in third election this year in bid to break deadlock

Bulgaria's rhythmic gymnasts bagged the gold medal in the group event with 92.100 points at the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;on Sunday, ending a Russian winning streak that stretched back to the Sydney Games in 2000.

The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) team took silver with 90.700 while Italy won the bronze with 87.700 points.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing day, LIVE UPDATES: Final events underway followed by ceremony">Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing day, LIVE UPDATES: Final events underway followed by ceremony</a>

Russian athletes are competing under the ROC flag in Tokyo as part of sanctions for doping scandals.

It was the second upset in a row for Russian rhythmic gymnasts after Israel's Linoy Ashram finished ahead of three-time individual all-around world champion Dina Averina to win gold on Saturday by 0.150 points.

Rhythmic gymnastics sees athletes perform exquisite contortions and manoeuvres to music while using hoops, balls, clubs or ribbons.

It was added to the Olympic programme as an individual event in 1984, with the first group gold awarded at Atlanta in 1996, when Spain took the title.

Bulgaria's rhythmic gymnasts bagged the gold medal in the group event with 92.100 points at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday, ending a Russian winning streak that stretched back to the Sydney Games in 2000.

Bulgaria's rhythmic gymnasts bagged the gold medal in the group event with 92.100 points at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday, ending a Russian winning streak that stretched back to the Sydney Games in 2000. The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) team took silver with 90.700 while Italy won the bronze with 87.700 points. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing day, LIVE UPDATES: Final events underway followed by ceremony Russian athletes are competing under the ROC flag in Tokyo as part of sanctions for doping scandals. It was the second upset in a row for Russian rhythmic gymnasts after Israel's Linoy Ashram finished ahead of three-time individual all-around world champion Dina Averina to win gold on Saturday by 0.150 points. Rhythmic gymnastics sees athletes perform exquisite contortions and manoeuvres to music while using hoops, balls, clubs or ribbons. It was added to the Olympic programme as an individual event in 1984, with the first group gold awarded at Atlanta in 1996, when Spain took the title.

Tokyo Olympics: Rhythmic Gymnastics - Bulgaria win group gold to end Russian streak

Forward Karim Benzema was substituted after suffering a knock on the knee in the first half of France's Euro 2020 warm-up game against Bulgaria on Tuesday.

ALSO&nbsp;READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-virus-cases-spike-in-russian-euro-host-city-390204" hreflang="en">Football: Virus cases spike in Russian Euro host city</a>

The Real Madrid striker came off four minutes before halftime having seemed to land awkwardly following a header.

Benzema, who last week made his comeback with France after not playing for the national team for more than five years, stayed on the bench after being tended to by the world champions' medical staff.

"It's a knock on the knee, which also affects the muscle. He felt he was getting stiff so he asked to be subbed," coach Didier Deschamps told TF1.

"The medical staff are taking care of him."

Forward Karim Benzema was substituted after suffering a knock on the knee in the first half of France's Euro 2020 warm-up game against Bulgaria on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Football: Virus cases spike in Russian Euro host city The Real Madrid striker came off four minutes before halftime having seemed to land awkwardly following a header.

Forward Karim Benzema was substituted after suffering a knock on the knee in the first half of France's Euro 2020 warm-up game against Bulgaria on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Football: Virus cases spike in Russian Euro host city The Real Madrid striker came off four minutes before halftime having seemed to land awkwardly following a header. Benzema, who last week made his comeback with France after not playing for the national team for more than five years, stayed on the bench after being tended to by the world champions' medical staff. "It's a knock on the knee, which also affects the muscle. He felt he was getting stiff so he asked to be subbed," coach Didier Deschamps told TF1. "The medical staff are taking care of him."

Football: Benzema suffers knee 'knock' injury against Bulgaria

Bulgaria will set up its own 'blacklist' of companies and people associated with three Bulgarians and 64 entities that the United States has imposed sanctions on over alleged corruption, preventing state dealings with them, the interim government said late on Friday. 
 
The United States this week blocked assets and cut off access to its financial system to former lawmaker and media mogul Delyan Peevski, government official Ilko Zhelyazkov and fugitive gambling tycoon Vassil Bozhkov. 
 
The interim government, in office until a July 11 parliamentary election, is setting up a group of financial and interior ministry officials as well as tax and intelligence officers to identify and list people and entities associated with those under US&nbsp;sanctions. 
 
State administrations and companies with state or municipal ownership will have to cut links with those on that list, the government said in a statement. 
 
"State structures and state companies need to stop any transactions with the people and their associates on the US&nbsp;sanction list, because otherwise they could potentially end up in that list themselves," Finance Minister Assen Vassilev said. 
 
Peevski, whom many in Bulgaria see as a powerful behind-the-scenes power broker with strong influence on judiciary and political elites, has denied wrongdoing. Zhelyazkov, currently on paid leave, has not commented on the US&nbsp;sanctions. 
 
Bozhkov, who faces over 18 charges at home, including for fax fraud and influence peddling, has said the sanctions ignored his own status as a victim of extortion. 
 
Many Bulgarians, who protested last year for months against endemic graft, welcomed the US&nbsp;sanctions in hopes that the move will prompt a action against high-level corruption at home. 
 
Bulgaria is the poorest member of the European Union and is ranked as the bloc's most corrupt member by Transparency International. Despite a declared will to root out graft, it has not jailed a single high-level official on corruption charges. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Bulgaria will set up its own 'blacklist' of companies and people associated with three Bulgarians and 64 entities that the United States has imposed sanctions on over alleged corruption, preventing state dealings with them, the interim government said late on Friday.

Bulgaria will set up its own 'blacklist' of companies and people associated with three Bulgarians and 64 entities that the United States has imposed sanctions on over alleged corruption, preventing state dealings with them, the interim government said late on Friday. The United States this week blocked assets and cut off access to its financial system to former lawmaker and media mogul Delyan Peevski, government official Ilko Zhelyazkov and fugitive gambling tycoon Vassil Bozhkov. The interim government, in office until a July 11 parliamentary election, is setting up a group of financial and interior ministry officials as well as tax and intelligence officers to identify and list people and entities associated with those under US sanctions. State administrations and companies with state or municipal ownership will have to cut links with those on that list, the government said in a statement. "State structures and state companies need to stop any transactions with the people and their associates on the US sanction list, because otherwise they could potentially end up in that list themselves," Finance Minister Assen Vassilev said. Peevski, whom many in Bulgaria see as a powerful behind-the-scenes power broker with strong influence on judiciary and political elites, has denied wrongdoing. Zhelyazkov, currently on paid leave, has not commented on the US sanctions. Bozhkov, who faces over 18 charges at home, including for fax fraud and influence peddling, has said the sanctions ignored his own status as a victim of extortion. Many Bulgarians, who protested last year for months against endemic graft, welcomed the US sanctions in hopes that the move will prompt a action against high-level corruption at home. Bulgaria is the poorest member of the European Union and is ranked as the bloc's most corrupt member by Transparency International. Despite a declared will to root out graft, it has not jailed a single high-level official on corruption charges. (With inputs from agencies)

Bulgaria to set up its own 'blacklist' after US graft sanctions

Bulgaria will hold a snap parliamentary election on July 11, after a third and final attempt to form a government following April 4 polls that led to a fragmented parliament failed, President Rumen Radev said on Wednesday. 
 
Outgoing Prime Minister Boyko Borissov`s centre-right GERB, which has dominated Bulgarian politics over the last decade, again emerged as the largest party after last month`s election but it lost seats amid widespread public anger over corruption in the European Union`s poorest member state. 
 
With Borissov short of a majority and unable to forge a new coalition, the president had asked a new anti-elite party led by TV host Slavi Trifonov to do so but it also failed, as did the third largest party in the new parliament, the Socialists. 
 
"Bulgaria needs a strong-willed political alternative, which the current parliament failed to produce," Radev said after the Socialist Party returned the mandate to form a government. 
 
The stalemate left Radev, a harsh critic of Borissov`s failure to crack down on graft, with no alternative but to appoint an interim technocrat administration and call another snap election within two months. 
 
The prolonged political uncertainty is unlikely to undermine Bulgaria`s prudent fiscal policies and its commitment to adopting the euro currency due to a broad political consensus in Sofia on these issues, ratings agency Fitch said on Tuesday. 
 
Fitch, which rates Bulgaria at investment BBB grade with a positive outlook, said that a protracted political deadlock could delay reforms, needed for the efficient tapping of the EU`s 750 billion euro coronavirus Recovery Fund. 
 
CARETAKER GOVERNMENT 
 
Radev linked the setting of the date for the new election with the appointment of a new central electoral commission that is expected to be finalised on May 11. 
 
"Next week I will dissolve the parliament and appoint an interim government. In this situation, the election is expected to be held on July 11," Radev said in a live broadcast. 
 
Radev said he plans to appoint experts as interim ministers, including members of the Socialist Party, which has already said it would back him in his own re-election bid in a presidential vote due in the autumn. 
 
The caretaker government will face a challenging agenda of managing a health and economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic within a tight budget it cannot amend and of ensuring a fair election. 
 
A recent opinion poll showed GERB remains the most popular party, but its key rival, Trifonov`s There Is Such a People, is a close second, raising the prospect of continued fragmentation in which the politicians will struggle to form a stable coalition government.

Bulgaria will hold a snap parliamentary election on July 11, after a third and final attempt to form a government following April 4 polls that led to a fragmented parliament failed, President Rumen Radev said on Wednesday.

Bulgaria will hold a snap parliamentary election on July 11, after a third and final attempt to form a government following April 4 polls that led to a fragmented parliament failed, President Rumen Radev said on Wednesday. Outgoing Prime Minister Boyko Borissov`s centre-right GERB, which has dominated Bulgarian politics over the last decade, again emerged as the largest party after last month`s election but it lost seats amid widespread public anger over corruption in the European Union`s poorest member state. With Borissov short of a majority and unable to forge a new coalition, the president had asked a new anti-elite party led by TV host Slavi Trifonov to do so but it also failed, as did the third largest party in the new parliament, the Socialists. "Bulgaria needs a strong-willed political alternative, which the current parliament failed to produce," Radev said after the Socialist Party returned the mandate to form a government. The stalemate left Radev, a harsh critic of Borissov`s failure to crack down on graft, with no alternative but to appoint an interim technocrat administration and call another snap election within two months. The prolonged political uncertainty is unlikely to undermine Bulgaria`s prudent fiscal policies and its commitment to adopting the euro currency due to a broad political consensus in Sofia on these issues, ratings agency Fitch said on Tuesday. Fitch, which rates Bulgaria at investment BBB grade with a positive outlook, said that a protracted political deadlock could delay reforms, needed for the efficient tapping of the EU`s 750 billion euro coronavirus Recovery Fund. CARETAKER GOVERNMENT Radev linked the setting of the date for the new election with the appointment of a new central electoral commission that is expected to be finalised on May 11. "Next week I will dissolve the parliament and appoint an interim government. In this situation, the election is expected to be held on July 11," Radev said in a live broadcast. Radev said he plans to appoint experts as interim ministers, including members of the Socialist Party, which has already said it would back him in his own re-election bid in a presidential vote due in the autumn. The caretaker government will face a challenging agenda of managing a health and economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic within a tight budget it cannot amend and of ensuring a fair election. A recent opinion poll showed GERB remains the most popular party, but its key rival, Trifonov`s There Is Such a People, is a close second, raising the prospect of continued fragmentation in which the politicians will struggle to form a stable coalition government.

Bulgaria to hold fresh general election on July 11, says president

Bulgaria’s long-serving Prime Minister Boyko Borissov won a national election on Sunday, exit polls showed, and he is now likely to face complex coalition talks to secure another four-year mandate in the European Union’s poorest member state.

Exit polls showed Borissov’s centre-right GERB will be the largest party in parliament, winning around 25% of the vote, compared with the 33.5% it won four years ago.&nbsp;

After a decade of dominating Bulgarian politics, Borissov has few natural coalition partners in a fragmented legislature, with most groupings rejecting direct cooperation with GERB.

Weeks of talks, or even another election, cannot be ruled out, meaning Bulgaria may have difficulty tapping the EU’s 750 billion euro ($884 billion) Recovery Fund aimed at helping rebuild economies across the bloc after the coronavirus pandemic.

A former fireman and bodyguard, Borissov, 61, sought to showcase his successes in modernising Bulgaria’s creaking infrastructure in a low-key campaign after massive anti-graft rallies last summer eroded his popularity.

Complicating his coalition-building options is the emergence of the anti-establishment There is Such a People party of popular TV host and singer Slavi Trifonov, which came in second according to a Gallup International poll on 17.1%.&nbsp;

A poll by Alpha Research put Trifonov third on 15.2% and the opposition Socialists second with 17.6%. Gallup found GERB had won 25%, while Alpha research put it slightly higher at 25.7%

Trifonov, 54, whose concerts peppered with patriotic songs have attracted thousands, has ruled out governing with either GERB or the Socialists.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Bulgaria’s long-serving Prime Minister Boyko Borissov won a national election on Sunday, exit polls showed, and he is now likely to face complex coalition talks to secure another four-year mandate in the European Union’s poorest member state.

Bulgaria’s long-serving Prime Minister Boyko Borissov won a national election on Sunday, exit polls showed, and he is now likely to face complex coalition talks to secure another four-year mandate in the European Union’s poorest member state. Exit polls showed Borissov’s centre-right GERB will be the largest party in parliament, winning around 25% of the vote, compared with the 33.5% it won four years ago. After a decade of dominating Bulgarian politics, Borissov has few natural coalition partners in a fragmented legislature, with most groupings rejecting direct cooperation with GERB. Weeks of talks, or even another election, cannot be ruled out, meaning Bulgaria may have difficulty tapping the EU’s 750 billion euro ($884 billion) Recovery Fund aimed at helping rebuild economies across the bloc after the coronavirus pandemic. A former fireman and bodyguard, Borissov, 61, sought to showcase his successes in modernising Bulgaria’s creaking infrastructure in a low-key campaign after massive anti-graft rallies last summer eroded his popularity. Complicating his coalition-building options is the emergence of the anti-establishment There is Such a People party of popular TV host and singer Slavi Trifonov, which came in second according to a Gallup International poll on 17.1%. A poll by Alpha Research put Trifonov third on 15.2% and the opposition Socialists second with 17.6%. Gallup found GERB had won 25%, while Alpha research put it slightly higher at 25.7% Trifonov, 54, whose concerts peppered with patriotic songs have attracted thousands, has ruled out governing with either GERB or the Socialists. (With inputs from agencies)

Bulgaria's GERB party of PM Borissov wins national vote, tough talks ahead

Bulgarians voted in a parliamentary election on Sunday that will decide whether long-serving Prime Minister Boyko Borissov wins a new four-year mandate despite persistent concerns about corruption in the European Union’s poorest member state.

Opinion polls suggest Borissov’s centre-right GERB will again be the largest party, with 28-29% of the vote, but will fall short of a majority and may struggle to build a stable coalition in a more fractured parliament.

That could hamper Bulgaria’s ability to effectively tap the EU’s 750 billion euro ($884 billion) Recovery Fund to help rebuild the bloc’s economy after the coronavirus pandemic.

Borissov, 61, an ex-fireman in power almost without a break since 2009, sought to showcase his successes in modernising Bulgaria’s creaking infrastructure in low-key campaign after massive anti-graft rallies last summer dented his popularity.

"We showed what we have achieved," Borissov said after casting his ballot. 
Polls will close at 8 pm (1700 GMT), with exit polls due shortly afterwards. Partial results are due through the night into Monday, before final official results expected on Thursday.

More than 6.7 million Bulgarians are eligible to vote, but pollsters expect a low turnout because of voters’ concerns over Covid-19 and a slow vaccine rollout.&nbsp;

Borissov, who has came under fire over the rollout, thanked the European Commission for 1.3 million additional Covid-19 vaccine shots, which the country will receive in the second quarter.

Bulgaria has seen coronavirus cases surging in March and now has the second highest coronavirus-related death rate, per million people on a 7-day rolling average, in the EU after Hungary, according to scientific online publication Our World in Data.

Although hospitals are full, the government eased some lockdown restrictions before the vote.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bulgarians voted in a parliamentary election on Sunday that will decide whether long-serving Prime Minister Boyko Borissov wins a new four-year mandate despite persistent concerns about corruption in the European Union’s poorest member state.

Bulgarians voted in a parliamentary election on Sunday that will decide whether long-serving Prime Minister Boyko Borissov wins a new four-year mandate despite persistent concerns about corruption in the European Union’s poorest member state. Opinion polls suggest Borissov’s centre-right GERB will again be the largest party, with 28-29% of the vote, but will fall short of a majority and may struggle to build a stable coalition in a more fractured parliament. That could hamper Bulgaria’s ability to effectively tap the EU’s 750 billion euro ($884 billion) Recovery Fund to help rebuild the bloc’s economy after the coronavirus pandemic. Borissov, 61, an ex-fireman in power almost without a break since 2009, sought to showcase his successes in modernising Bulgaria’s creaking infrastructure in low-key campaign after massive anti-graft rallies last summer dented his popularity. "We showed what we have achieved," Borissov said after casting his ballot. Polls will close at 8 pm (1700 GMT), with exit polls due shortly afterwards. Partial results are due through the night into Monday, before final official results expected on Thursday. More than 6.7 million Bulgarians are eligible to vote, but pollsters expect a low turnout because of voters’ concerns over Covid-19 and a slow vaccine rollout. Borissov, who has came under fire over the rollout, thanked the European Commission for 1.3 million additional Covid-19 vaccine shots, which the country will receive in the second quarter. Bulgaria has seen coronavirus cases surging in March and now has the second highest coronavirus-related death rate, per million people on a 7-day rolling average, in the EU after Hungary, according to scientific online publication Our World in Data. Although hospitals are full, the government eased some lockdown restrictions before the vote. (With inputs from agencies)

Bulgarians vote for new parliament amid Covid-19 fears

The vote follows months of anti-government protests, questionable political reforms, and rising COVID-19 cases.

Polls have opened in Bulgaria's parliamentary elections

Bulgaria has decided to temporarily stop Covid jabs for non-priority groups due to shortages caused by AstraZeneca's failure to stick to supplies and deadlines.

"AstraZeneca won't fulfil its engagement to deliver 142,437 doses by the end of February," Health Minister Kostadin Angelov said Thursday.

"Yesterday we were surprised to find out that on March 1, Bulgaria might get 52,800 doses and not the expected 142,437 vaccines," he said, adding: "We will temporarily suspend the (vaccinations for all) until the next arrival of vaccines... expected on Saturday."

Bulgaria started vaccinating medics and others on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19 at the end of December but interest was sluggish.

Its vaccination rate was the lowest in the European Union with only about 30 per cent of those listed showing up for their shots, forcing health workers to scramble for people to avoid wasting vaccines.

So far, a total of over 168,000 Bulgarians, or about 2.0 per cent of the population, have received at least one dose, compared to an average of 4.3 per cent for Europe as a whole.

(with inputs)

Bulgaria has decided to temporarily stop Covid jabs for non-priority groups due to shortages caused by AstraZeneca's failure to stick to supplies and deadlines. "AstraZeneca won't fulfil its engagement to deliver 142,437 doses by the end of February," Health Minister Kostadin Angelov said Thursday.

Bulgaria has decided to temporarily stop Covid jabs for non-priority groups due to shortages caused by AstraZeneca's failure to stick to supplies and deadlines. "AstraZeneca won't fulfil its engagement to deliver 142,437 doses by the end of February," Health Minister Kostadin Angelov said Thursday. "Yesterday we were surprised to find out that on March 1, Bulgaria might get 52,800 doses and not the expected 142,437 vaccines," he said, adding: "We will temporarily suspend the (vaccinations for all) until the next arrival of vaccines... expected on Saturday." Bulgaria started vaccinating medics and others on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19 at the end of December but interest was sluggish. Its vaccination rate was the lowest in the European Union with only about 30 per cent of those listed showing up for their shots, forcing health workers to scramble for people to avoid wasting vaccines. So far, a total of over 168,000 Bulgarians, or about 2.0 per cent of the population, have received at least one dose, compared to an average of 4.3 per cent for Europe as a whole. (with inputs)

Bulgaria blames AstraZeneca for suspending Covid jabs-for-all

Dozens of Bulgarian men danced and sang in the cold waters of the Tundzha river in the central Bulgarian town of Kalofer to mark the Christian holiday of Epiphany on Wednesday, ignoring curbs imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Bulgarians dance in cold waters to celebrate Epiphany

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov declared on Facebook on Sunday that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Borisovtook to Facebook to make the announcement, and assured that he is feeling healthy as he has mild symptoms only, and is currently isolated at his residence. "After two PCR tests from today I'm positive with COVID-19. I generally have a general malaise, at the moment at the discretion of doctors I'm staying on home treatment," his Facebook post read.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-mike-pences-chief-of-staff-tests-positive-for-covid-19-337780">Also read|&nbsp;US Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff tests positive for COVID-19</a>

He also urged his close contacts to get tested for COVID-19 if they have come in contact with him in the last few days. "All contacts with me are submitted to the RZI. I'm sure that we will manage it together!," his post read.

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Въпреки че РЗИ официално ми свали карантината, още в петък отложих всички срещи и публични прояви за предстоящите дни....
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Three more ministers from his cabinet have been in isolation since Friday after Deputy Construction Minister Nikolay Nankov,&nbsp;who had been in their contact in the last few days, tested positive.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-shaktikanta-das-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-337871">Also read|&nbsp;RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das tests positive for coronavirus</a>

The announcement has come at a time when Bulgaria is observing a surge in coronavirus cases, like other European countries. In a country of seven million people,&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;1,589 new infections were reported on Saturday taking the total to 36,519.

The capital city Sofia — home to two million people — also announced a temporary closure of nightclubs, as the city recorded nearly 584 cases on Saturday. The city also urged various businesses, offices and educational institutes to shift to online operations, wherever possible.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov declared on Facebook on Sunday that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Borisovtook to Facebook to make the announcement, and assured that he is feeling healthy as he has mild symptoms only, and is currently isolated at his residence.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov declared on Facebook on Sunday that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Borisovtook to Facebook to make the announcement, and assured that he is feeling healthy as he has mild symptoms only, and is currently isolated at his residence. "After two PCR tests from today I'm positive with COVID-19. I generally have a general malaise, at the moment at the discretion of doctors I'm staying on home treatment," his Facebook post read. Also read| US Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff tests positive for COVID-19 He also urged his close contacts to get tested for COVID-19 if they have come in contact with him in the last few days. "All contacts with me are submitted to the RZI. I'm sure that we will manage it together!," his post read. Въпреки че РЗИ официално ми свали карантината, още в петък отложих всички срещи и публични прояви за предстоящите дни.... Posted by Boyko Borissov on Sunday, October 25, 2020 × Three more ministers from his cabinet have been in isolation since Friday after Deputy Construction Minister Nikolay Nankov, who had been in their contact in the last few days, tested positive. Also read| RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das tests positive for coronavirus The announcement has come at a time when Bulgaria is observing a surge in coronavirus cases, like other European countries. In a country of seven million people, nearly 1,589 new infections were reported on Saturday taking the total to 36,519. The capital city Sofia — home to two million people — also announced a temporary closure of nightclubs, as the city recorded nearly 584 cases on Saturday. The city also urged various businesses, offices and educational institutes to shift to online operations, wherever possible.

Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov tests positive for coronavirus

Sitting in his caravan in downtown Sofia, Alexander Balkanski, a former acrobat and trapeze artist and the founder of Bulgaria's largest circus, swings between hope and despair as he counts the emotional and financial costs of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On a tightrope: Bulgarian circus defies odds during coronavirus pandemic

Anti-government protesters in Bulgaria had restored their week-long blockades in central Sofia by early Saturday, less than a day after they were removed by police.

More than 5,000 demonstrators gathered in Sofia in pouring rain to shout "Mafia!" and "Resignation!" for a 30th consecutive evening on Friday in the biggest protest wave in the poorest EU country since 2013-14.

Rallies were also held in at least five other cities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fourth-night-of-anti-government-protests-in-bulgaria-312849">Also read:&nbsp;Fourth night of anti-government protests in Bulgaria</a>

Protesters had occupied major crossroads in Sofia, Varna and Plovdiv, severely disrupting traffic, and blocked a road in central Bulgaria before police moved to clear their tents on Friday, warning that no more blockades would be tolerated.

Demonstrators in Sofia however set up fresh tent camps overnight at three major downtown crossroads overnight, buttressing them with cordons of large garbage containers, park benches and concrete street flowerpots.

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Despite the warning, the Sofia security police did not intervene, saying Saturday that protesters had prepared to respond with stones and bottles.

The protesters are demanding the resignation of the conservative cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and of chief prosecutor Ivan Geshev, accusing them of being beholden to behind-the-scenes oligarchs.

Borisov has resigned his previous two premierships. His current minority coalition with two nationalist parties decided Thursday that they would fulfil their current mandate that runs until March 2021.

Polls this week showed that the ongoing protest wave is severely eroding support for Borisov and his conservative GERB party.&nbsp;

Anti-government protesters in Bulgaria had restored their week-long blockades in central Sofia by early Saturday, less than a day after they were removed by police.

Anti-government protesters in Bulgaria had restored their week-long blockades in central Sofia by early Saturday, less than a day after they were removed by police. More than 5,000 demonstrators gathered in Sofia in pouring rain to shout "Mafia!" and "Resignation!" for a 30th consecutive evening on Friday in the biggest protest wave in the poorest EU country since 2013-14. Rallies were also held in at least five other cities. Also read: Fourth night of anti-government protests in Bulgaria Protesters had occupied major crossroads in Sofia, Varna and Plovdiv, severely disrupting traffic, and blocked a road in central Bulgaria before police moved to clear their tents on Friday, warning that no more blockades would be tolerated. Demonstrators in Sofia however set up fresh tent camps overnight at three major downtown crossroads overnight, buttressing them with cordons of large garbage containers, park benches and concrete street flowerpots. Also read: Turkish President Erdogan rejects criticism over Hagia Sophia's conversion to mosque Despite the warning, the Sofia security police did not intervene, saying Saturday that protesters had prepared to respond with stones and bottles. The protesters are demanding the resignation of the conservative cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and of chief prosecutor Ivan Geshev, accusing them of being beholden to behind-the-scenes oligarchs. Borisov has resigned his previous two premierships. His current minority coalition with two nationalist parties decided Thursday that they would fulfil their current mandate that runs until March 2021. Polls this week showed that the ongoing protest wave is severely eroding support for Borisov and his conservative GERB party.

Bulgaria anti-govt protesters restore Sofia blockades

Bulgarian Prime Minister&nbsp;Boyko Borissov has urged the European Union (EU) countries to agree and coordinate on a health protocol as the EU national leaders met for the third day today to come up with an economic recovery plan.

Borissov believes that it is important for leaders to agree on protocols and plans as the upcoming weeks will prove out to be crucial with respect to the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leaders-extend-summit-as-they-grapple-over-coronavirus-recovery-plan-314359">Also read:&nbsp;EU leaders extend summit as they grapple over coronavirus, recovery plan</a>

"We are convinced the European Union needs a united health protocol... We should concentrate in the coming six months where this will be the most difficult part (of pandemic)," Borissov told reporters ahead of another round of EU budget talks here.

The talks have been organised as the actions were disjointed in the beginning of the pandemic as every EU nation acted independently.

The pandemic, which has spawned economic mayhem worldwide, also saw the G20 nations consider extending debt relief for coronavirus-hit poor countries in the second half of 2020.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov has urged the European Union (EU) countries to agree and coordinate on a health protocol as the EU national leaders met for the third day today to come up with an economic recovery plan.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov has urged the European Union (EU) countries to agree and coordinate on a health protocol as the EU national leaders met for the third day today to come up with an economic recovery plan. Borissov believes that it is important for leaders to agree on protocols and plans as the upcoming weeks will prove out to be crucial with respect to the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: EU leaders extend summit as they grapple over coronavirus, recovery plan "We are convinced the European Union needs a united health protocol... We should concentrate in the coming six months where this will be the most difficult part (of pandemic)," Borissov told reporters ahead of another round of EU budget talks here. The talks have been organised as the actions were disjointed in the beginning of the pandemic as every EU nation acted independently. The pandemic, which has spawned economic mayhem worldwide, also saw the G20 nations consider extending debt relief for coronavirus-hit poor countries in the second half of 2020.

Bulgarian PM Boyko Borissov urges EU leaders to agree on COVID-19 health protocol

Thousands of Bulgarians gathered for a fourth day &nbsp;on Sunday in Sofia and other cities to protest against corruption and demand the resignation of the conservative government. 
 
Over 3,000 protesters shouted "Mafia" and "Resign" outside the government headquarters in Sofia and marched to parliament. 
 
The protests in the capital were sparked by an unprecedented raid by heavily armed police and prosecutors on the presidential headquarters on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/bulgarias-borissov-demands-resignation-of-mafia-type-government-amid-anti-corruption-protests-312608" hreflang="en">Bulgaria's Borissov demands resignation of 'mafia' type government amid anti-corruption protests</a> 
 
President Rumen Radev's legal affairs and anti-corruption secretary and his security and defence advisor were detained for questioning and their offices searched&nbsp;as part of two separate probes into influence-peddling and disclosure of state secrets. 
 
Protesters also gathered in at least ten other towns on Sunday. 
 
The searches on Thursday sparked public anger and brought thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of Sofia to condemn the raids as an attack by the government and the chief prosecutor against the Socialists-backed Radev. 
 
The president is an outspoken critic of the cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, accusing it of "links with oligarchs". 
 
Borisov on Saturday refused to resign but opponents launched an online petition aiming to gather as many as one million signatures to demand his ouster. 
 
The Socialist opposition in parliament also said Sunday that they would table a no confidence motion against the cabinet for "corruption" next Wednesday, appealing to protesters to back them. 
 
Friday's rallies turned violent with 18 protesters arrested, including two men who were hospitalised after being beaten, prompting an even bigger turnout on Saturday when Radev joined protesters in their demand for the resignation of the cabinet and the chief prosecutor. 
 
Police had appealed for restraint ahead of Sunday's demonstration and the interior ministry announced late Sunday that the rally had ended without incident. 
 
Thirteen years after joining the EU as its poorest country, Bulgaria has also remained the bloc's most graft-prone member state, according to Transparency International's corruption perception index. 
 
A new rally is scheduled for Monday afternoon and another nationwide protest for Thursday.

Thousands of Bulgarians gathered for a fourth day on Sunday in Sofia and other cities to protest against corruption and demand the resignation of the conservative government.

Thousands of Bulgarians gathered for a fourth day on Sunday in Sofia and other cities to protest against corruption and demand the resignation of the conservative government. Over 3,000 protesters shouted "Mafia" and "Resign" outside the government headquarters in Sofia and marched to parliament. The protests in the capital were sparked by an unprecedented raid by heavily armed police and prosecutors on the presidential headquarters on Thursday. Also read: Bulgaria's Borissov demands resignation of 'mafia' type government amid anti-corruption protests President Rumen Radev's legal affairs and anti-corruption secretary and his security and defence advisor were detained for questioning and their offices searched as part of two separate probes into influence-peddling and disclosure of state secrets. Protesters also gathered in at least ten other towns on Sunday. The searches on Thursday sparked public anger and brought thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of Sofia to condemn the raids as an attack by the government and the chief prosecutor against the Socialists-backed Radev. The president is an outspoken critic of the cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, accusing it of "links with oligarchs". Borisov on Saturday refused to resign but opponents launched an online petition aiming to gather as many as one million signatures to demand his ouster. The Socialist opposition in parliament also said Sunday that they would table a no confidence motion against the cabinet for "corruption" next Wednesday, appealing to protesters to back them. Friday's rallies turned violent with 18 protesters arrested, including two men who were hospitalised after being beaten, prompting an even bigger turnout on Saturday when Radev joined protesters in their demand for the resignation of the cabinet and the chief prosecutor. Police had appealed for restraint ahead of Sunday's demonstration and the interior ministry announced late Sunday that the rally had ended without incident. Thirteen years after joining the EU as its poorest country, Bulgaria has also remained the bloc's most graft-prone member state, according to Transparency International's corruption perception index. A new rally is scheduled for Monday afternoon and another nationwide protest for Thursday.

Fourth night of anti-government protests in Bulgaria

Bulgarian President Roumen Radev on Saturday called for the resignation of the government, which he described as having a "mafia character", after police raids on his offices during the week which Radev blamed on the prime minister.

The president's legal affairs and anti-corruption secretary and his security and defence advisor were detained for questioning on Thursday and their offices searched&nbsp;as part of two separate probes into influence-peddling and disclosure of state secrets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bulgaria-opposes-greek-plans-for-refugee-camp-near-border-285481">Bulgaria opposes Greek plans for refugee camp near border</a>

The searches brought thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of Sofia to condemn the raids as an attack by the conservative government and the chief prosecutor against the Socialists-backed Radev.

Bulgarian police arrested 18 people late on Friday after scuffles during anti-corruption protests near a demonstration by government supporters in the centre of the capital Sofia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bulgaria-requests-eu-for-80-million-euros-more-for-border-control-186019">Bulgaria requests EU for 80 million euros more for border control</a>

Radev, who was elected in 2016 with the votes of the Socialist Party, is a vocal critic of prime minister Boyko Borissov’s centre-right government, accusing it of corruption, lack of justice and suppression of the freedom of speech.

Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital, Sofia, to demand the resignation of Borissov and chief prosecutor Ivan Gechev, accusing them of corruption and links to criminal groups.

The protests were sparked earlier this week after Geshev ordered raids of the president’s headquarters and the arrests of two of his aides on suspicion of influence peddling.

Borissov has been in power since 2009 and his third term is scheduled to end in March next year.

Bulgarian President Roumen Radev on Saturday called for the resignation of the government, which he described as having a "mafia character", after police raids on his offices during the week which Radev blamed on the prime minister.

Bulgarian President Roumen Radev on Saturday called for the resignation of the government, which he described as having a "mafia character", after police raids on his offices during the week which Radev blamed on the prime minister. The president's legal affairs and anti-corruption secretary and his security and defence advisor were detained for questioning on Thursday and their offices searched as part of two separate probes into influence-peddling and disclosure of state secrets. Also read: Bulgaria opposes Greek plans for refugee camp near border The searches brought thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of Sofia to condemn the raids as an attack by the conservative government and the chief prosecutor against the Socialists-backed Radev. Bulgarian police arrested 18 people late on Friday after scuffles during anti-corruption protests near a demonstration by government supporters in the centre of the capital Sofia. Also read: Bulgaria requests EU for 80 million euros more for border control Radev, who was elected in 2016 with the votes of the Socialist Party, is a vocal critic of prime minister Boyko Borissov’s centre-right government, accusing it of corruption, lack of justice and suppression of the freedom of speech. Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital, Sofia, to demand the resignation of Borissov and chief prosecutor Ivan Gechev, accusing them of corruption and links to criminal groups. The protests were sparked earlier this week after Geshev ordered raids of the president’s headquarters and the arrests of two of his aides on suspicion of influence peddling. Borissov has been in power since 2009 and his third term is scheduled to end in March next year.

Bulgaria's Borissov demands resignation of 'mafia' type government amid anti-corruption protests

Bulgaria's defence minister has hit out at "unreasonable" Greek plans to build a camp near their border to shelter asylum seekers amid a migration surge from Turkey.

"The accommodation by the Greek side of illegal migrants near our border is a pre-requisite for building up of additional tensions. This is not good-neighbourly and is unreasonable!" Krasimir Karakachanov posted late Monday on Facebook.

The comments came after Greek migration minister Notis Mitarachi announced over the weekend that Athens wanted to build two closed centres in the northern region of Serres that borders Bulgaria and in the Athens area with 1,000 places.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-some-eu-countries-are-struggling-to-relocate-migrants-265965">Why some EU countries are struggling to relocate migrants</a>

Greece already struggling to accommodate thousands of asylum-seekers stranded in the country has come under even more pressure since Turkey stopped preventing migrants and asylum seekers from leaving for EU territory.

"The Bulgarian army is on standby, and I guarantee that I won't allow a new migration wave to our country," wrote Karakachanov, the leader of the nationalist VMRO party, a junior coalition partner in the government.

"Bulgaria will not pay other people's bills".

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrants-head-to-greece-as-turkey-opens-floodgates-283547">Migrants head to Greece as Turkey opens floodgates</a>

Bulgaria borders on both Greece and Turkey to the southeast but has so far not seen an influx of asylum seekers.

Conservative prime minister Boyko Borisov recently welcomed what he said was "zero migration" thanks to a barbed-wire fence Bulgaria built on the 259-kilometre (160-mile) border with Turkey and his close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Bulgaria's 493-kilometre border with Greece is guarded by border police and has also has not seen any pressure recently.

In talks with Erdogan last week in Ankara, Borisov proposed undertaking "actions which would contribute to solving the crisis in Syria and stop migration pressure" on the region.

He has long pressed for the setting up of closed security centres for asylum seekers outside the EU, funded by the bloc.

Bulgaria's defence minister has hit out at "unreasonable" Greek plans to build a camp near their border to shelter asylum seekers amid a migration surge from Turkey.

Bulgaria's defence minister has hit out at "unreasonable" Greek plans to build a camp near their border to shelter asylum seekers amid a migration surge from Turkey. "The accommodation by the Greek side of illegal migrants near our border is a pre-requisite for building up of additional tensions. This is not good-neighbourly and is unreasonable!" Krasimir Karakachanov posted late Monday on Facebook. The comments came after Greek migration minister Notis Mitarachi announced over the weekend that Athens wanted to build two closed centres in the northern region of Serres that borders Bulgaria and in the Athens area with 1,000 places. Also Read: Why some EU countries are struggling to relocate migrants Greece already struggling to accommodate thousands of asylum-seekers stranded in the country has come under even more pressure since Turkey stopped preventing migrants and asylum seekers from leaving for EU territory. "The Bulgarian army is on standby, and I guarantee that I won't allow a new migration wave to our country," wrote Karakachanov, the leader of the nationalist VMRO party, a junior coalition partner in the government. "Bulgaria will not pay other people's bills". Also Read: Migrants head to Greece as Turkey opens floodgates Bulgaria borders on both Greece and Turkey to the southeast but has so far not seen an influx of asylum seekers. Conservative prime minister Boyko Borisov recently welcomed what he said was "zero migration" thanks to a barbed-wire fence Bulgaria built on the 259-kilometre (160-mile) border with Turkey and his close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Bulgaria's 493-kilometre border with Greece is guarded by border police and has also has not seen any pressure recently. In talks with Erdogan last week in Ankara, Borisov proposed undertaking "actions which would contribute to solving the crisis in Syria and stop migration pressure" on the region. He has long pressed for the setting up of closed security centres for asylum seekers outside the EU, funded by the bloc.

Bulgaria opposes Greek plans for refugee camp near border

HITL teamed up with Roia, a non-profit organisation training young people in Syria and Syrian refugees in Turkey, and WorkWell, which organises various digital courses for refugees and other vulnerable people in Iraq

Digital Lifeline for Bulgarian refugees

Bulgaria must play their next home game behind closed doors and have been handed a fine of 75,000 euros ($83,000) after racist chanting by supporters marred their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-thrash-bulgaria-after-game-halted-over-racist-abuse-255998">Euro 2020 qualifier</a> against England earlier this month, UEFA said Tuesday.

The disciplinary arm of European football's governing body also ordered Bulgaria to play a second match behind closed doors, but that punishment is suspended for a "probationary period" of two years.

The punishment means Bulgaria will play their final European Championship qualifier at home to the Czech Republic, on November 17, in an empty stadium.

UEFA also ordered Bulgaria to display a banner with the slogan "No To Racism" at their next two home games.

The Bulgarian FA was additionally fined a further 10,000 euros for "causing a disturbance during a national anthem" prior to kick-off of the game in Sofia on October 14, which England won 6-0. The English FA was fined 5,000 euros for the same offence.

The match at the Vasil Levski Stadium was halted twice in the first half due to abuse from sections of the home support, including monkey chants and apparent Nazi salutes.

Despite the abuse, the England team opted to complete the match instead of walking off the pitch.

"We sincerely hope the disgraceful scenes in Sofia are never repeated," said England's Football Association.

"Our priority remains our players, support team and fans and we will do all we can to ensure they never have to endure such circumstances again.

"While we acknowledge UEFA's ruling today, a huge challenge still exists around racism and discrimination in society."

The game was played in a stadium already partially closed after racist incidents during matches against Kosovo and the Czech Republic in June.

"We sincerely hope that the Bulgarian football fans will prove with their behaviour that they have become targets of unwarranted accusations for lack of tolerance and respect to the opposition team," the Bulgarian Football Union said in a statement.

Piara Powar, the executive director of the Fare network which works to combat racism and discrimination in football across Europe, said the punishment was not harsh enough and felt Bulgaria should have been disqualified from the competition.

"We welcome the speed of this decision, but we are disappointed that Bulgaria will not be expelled from the Euro 2020 qualifying competition given their previous record, and obvious inability to deal with the problems they face," he said.

"We think that the evidence and circumstances of this match would have justified European football being given a stronger signal on the need to tackle racism.

"Obtaining justice for racist acts is not easy in any setting, it is clear that football is no exception."

Anti-racism campaign group Kick It Out called for UEFA regulations on racism to be "overhauled".

"We are disheartened, but not surprised, to learn of UEFA's response to the racist abuse directed at England players," it said in a statement.

"In our view, they have missed an opportunity to send an uncompromising message on racism and discrimination.

"The current sanctions, however 'tough' UEFA think they may be, are clearly not working and leave victims with little faith in their ability to prevent abusive behaviour."

The incidents caused indignation in the football world and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uefa-must-do-more-to-tackle-vile-racism-uk-pm-johnsons-spokesman-256094">were condemned</a> both by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borisov.

The subsequent fall-out led to Bulgaria coach Krasimir Balakov resigning along with the country's FA chief, Borislav Mihaylov.

In the wake of the incidents, Bulgarian police said they had identified 16 people suspected of being involved in the "abusive actions".

Bulgaria are winless in seven Euro 2020 qualifiers,&nbsp;losing four and drawing three,&nbsp;and occupy last place in Group A. They are already out of contention to qualify for next year's finals.

Before facing the Czechs, Bulgaria are due to host Paraguay in a friendly in Sofia on November 14 in what will be their first match under new coach Georgi Dermendzhiev.

&nbsp;

Bulgaria must play their next home game behind closed doors and have been handed a fine of 75,000 euros ($83,000) after racist chanting by supporters marred their Euro 2020 qualifier against England earlier this month, UEFA said Tuesday.

Bulgaria must play their next home game behind closed doors and have been handed a fine of 75,000 euros ($83,000) after racist chanting by supporters marred their Euro 2020 qualifier against England earlier this month, UEFA said Tuesday. The disciplinary arm of European football's governing body also ordered Bulgaria to play a second match behind closed doors, but that punishment is suspended for a "probationary period" of two years. The punishment means Bulgaria will play their final European Championship qualifier at home to the Czech Republic, on November 17, in an empty stadium. UEFA also ordered Bulgaria to display a banner with the slogan "No To Racism" at their next two home games. The Bulgarian FA was additionally fined a further 10,000 euros for "causing a disturbance during a national anthem" prior to kick-off of the game in Sofia on October 14, which England won 6-0. The English FA was fined 5,000 euros for the same offence. The match at the Vasil Levski Stadium was halted twice in the first half due to abuse from sections of the home support, including monkey chants and apparent Nazi salutes. Despite the abuse, the England team opted to complete the match instead of walking off the pitch. "We sincerely hope the disgraceful scenes in Sofia are never repeated," said England's Football Association. "Our priority remains our players, support team and fans and we will do all we can to ensure they never have to endure such circumstances again. "While we acknowledge UEFA's ruling today, a huge challenge still exists around racism and discrimination in society." The game was played in a stadium already partially closed after racist incidents during matches against Kosovo and the Czech Republic in June. "We sincerely hope that the Bulgarian football fans will prove with their behaviour that they have become targets of unwarranted accusations for lack of tolerance and respect to the opposition team," the Bulgarian Football Union said in a statement. Piara Powar, the executive director of the Fare network which works to combat racism and discrimination in football across Europe, said the punishment was not harsh enough and felt Bulgaria should have been disqualified from the competition. "We welcome the speed of this decision, but we are disappointed that Bulgaria will not be expelled from the Euro 2020 qualifying competition given their previous record, and obvious inability to deal with the problems they face," he said. "We think that the evidence and circumstances of this match would have justified European football being given a stronger signal on the need to tackle racism. "Obtaining justice for racist acts is not easy in any setting, it is clear that football is no exception." Anti-racism campaign group Kick It Out called for UEFA regulations on racism to be "overhauled". "We are disheartened, but not surprised, to learn of UEFA's response to the racist abuse directed at England players," it said in a statement. "In our view, they have missed an opportunity to send an uncompromising message on racism and discrimination. "The current sanctions, however 'tough' UEFA think they may be, are clearly not working and leave victims with little faith in their ability to prevent abusive behaviour." The incidents caused indignation in the football world and were condemned both by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borisov. The subsequent fall-out led to Bulgaria coach Krasimir Balakov resigning along with the country's FA chief, Borislav Mihaylov. In the wake of the incidents, Bulgarian police said they had identified 16 people suspected of being involved in the "abusive actions". Bulgaria are winless in seven Euro 2020 qualifiers, losing four and drawing three, and occupy last place in Group A. They are already out of contention to qualify for next year's finals. Before facing the Czechs, Bulgaria are due to host Paraguay in a friendly in Sofia on November 14 in what will be their first match under new coach Georgi Dermendzhiev.

Euro 2020 qualifier: Bulgaria to play game behind closed doors, fined after England racism

Bulgarian police said on Wednesday they had detained six people in connection with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifier-anti-racism-body-says-england-game-should-have-been-abandoned-256082">racist abuse faced by England's black players</a> during a Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia with more arrests likely.

England thrashed Bulgaria 6-0 on Monday to hand the hosts their heaviest ever home defeat but the match was marred by a section of home supporters taunting the visiting players with Nazi salutes and monkey chants.

"Six people were detained so far and we're searching for three more as we have collected evidence about their involvement in the incidents" Senior Commissioner Georgi Hadzhiev, director of the Sofia police department, said.

Hadzhiev added that the operation was still underway and they were trying to identify more suspects.

The match on Monday at the Vasil Levski stadium was temporarily halted by the Croatian&nbsp;referee under a three-step protocol devised by European soccer governing body UEFA.

UEFA said it had opened disciplinary proceedings against Bulgaria on a number of charges including racist behaviour and the throwing of objects.

Bulgarian police said on Wednesday they had detained six people in connection with the racist abuse faced by England's black players during a Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia with more arrests likely.

Bulgarian police said on Wednesday they had detained six people in connection with the racist abuse faced by England's black players during a Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia with more arrests likely. England thrashed Bulgaria 6-0 on Monday to hand the hosts their heaviest ever home defeat but the match was marred by a section of home supporters taunting the visiting players with Nazi salutes and monkey chants. "Six people were detained so far and we're searching for three more as we have collected evidence about their involvement in the incidents" Senior Commissioner Georgi Hadzhiev, director of the Sofia police department, said. Hadzhiev added that the operation was still underway and they were trying to identify more suspects. The match on Monday at the Vasil Levski stadium was temporarily halted by the Croatian referee under a three-step protocol devised by European soccer governing body UEFA. UEFA said it had opened disciplinary proceedings against Bulgaria on a number of charges including racist behaviour and the throwing of objects.

Bulgarian police detain six over racist chants at England game

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