The arrest of Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev on July 8, 2025, has sparked widespread protests across Bulgaria and in several European cities. Kotsev, a member of the opposition party We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria, was detained on charges of embezzlement and corruption, allegations he denies, claiming they are politically motivated.
Following his arrest, demonstrations have been held in Sofia, Varna, Brussels, Berlin, London, and other cities, with participants calling for his release and expressing concerns over judicial independence and the rule of law in Bulgaria. The European Commission has also voiced its concerns regarding these issues.
In response to the protests, the European Parliament's Renew Europe group condemned the arrest, describing it as "political repression" and a threat to EU democratic norms. They called for the immediate release of Mayor Kotsev and urged the European Union to address the situation at the highest institutional level.
The protests highlight ongoing debates about judicial independence and the rule of law in Bulgaria, with citizens and political groups advocating for reforms to ensure fairness and transparency in the country's legal system.