At the first reading in the plenary hall, the national representatives voted on changes that restricted the powers of the state-appointed special commercial administrator in the four subsidiaries of "Lukoil" in Bulgaria. The decision was adopted with 157 votes "for" and 21 "abstentions", with the majority of those who abstained coming from GERB.
The key change introduces judicial control over the decisions of the special administrator – something that was previously absent and was among the most sharply criticized points by the opposition when this role was introduced.
How the role of the special administrator was created
The post of special commercial administrator, appointed by the state in private companies, was introduced in November 2025 with changes to the Law on the Administrative Regulation of Economic Activities Related to Oil and Petroleum Products. The text of the law does not explicitly mention "Lukoil", but the norms were created specifically for the four Bulgarian companies of the Russian firm, after it was placed under sanctions by the US, UK, and EU.
At that time, the special administrator was given extremely broad powers – to step into the rights of the owners, to carry out disposal transactions with shares or capital stakes, and to dispose of or alienate the company's property. The inability to appeal their decisions was defined as a serious risk to the right of private property.
Arguments of the proponents from "Progressive Bulgaria"
In their motives, the proponents from "Progressive Bulgaria" point out that through the special administrator, the state acts under conditions of urgency and practically infringes upon the rights of the owners of the affected enterprises. Therefore, the restrictions must be clearly defined by law and be proportional to the goals the state is pursuing.
According to them, disposal transactions involving shares, stakes, and property represent "indirect nationalization" and conflict with the constitutionally guaranteed right to private property. They also emphasize that the lack of effective administrative and judicial control over the acts of the special administrator is incompatible with the principles of the rule of law.
What is changing: judicial and administrative control
The changes provide that the most important transactions of the special administrator – the disposal of shares or capital stakes, as well as transactions with the company's property that most significantly affect the rights of shareholders – shall be subject to judicial control under the procedure of the Code of Civil Procedure. This means processing within shortened timeframes.
Stricter administrative control is also being introduced: the activity of the special administrator will be monitored by the Minister of Economy, Investments, and Industry and by the Council of Ministers. The administrator of "Lukoil Neftohim" will have to submit monthly reports on their work.
Ideas for additional changes between the first and second reading
From "We Continue the Change", they announced that for the second reading, they will propose that the law specify what concrete information the monthly reports must contain, and that these reports be made public so they do not become a formal exercise.
"Furthermore, standards for the good management of these administrators appointed by the state in private companies must be introduced," stated Radoslav Ribarski from WCC. According to him, the possibility for the special administrator to dispose of shares and property should not exist in the law at all, and their powers should be limited to operational management.
"Vazrazhdane": buy the refinery and make it state-owned again
"Vazrazhdane" used the debate to raise the issue of ownership of the Burgas refinery. "The figure of the special administrator must be removed, the refinery must be returned to the owner, and negotiations for its purchase should begin so that it becomes state-owned again – just as it was before Ivan Kostov sold it to Russia," declared Tsoncho Ganev.
According to him, the government should begin discussions with the "Trump" administration to obtain permission for such a deal, given the existing sanctions and the sensitivity of the energy sector.
Dispute surrounding the figure of Rumen Spetsov
"Vazrazhdane" also expressed doubt that "Progressive Bulgaria" has abandoned the idea of replacing the current special administrator of "Lukoil Neftohim" – "Rumen Spetsov". In response, Slavi Vasilev from PB assured that the Council of Ministers is discussing the matter and there will be "news soon".
Thus, the debate over the powers and control of the special administrator became intertwined with the broader political dispute regarding the future of the refinery, the role of the state in the strategic energy sector, and relations with Bulgaria's international partners.