Varna without a Mayor: Potential Consequences

Varna could be left without a mayor as early as November if the Sofia Appellate Court upholds the arrest of Благомир Коцев. This warning was issued by the municipal councilors from PP-DB in Varna, emphasizing the potentially severe consequences of the mayor"s prolonged detention.

According to them, prolonged arrest could lead to early mayoral elections, elections that would question the will of the people of Varna, as stated by the acting mayor Pavel Popov.

Mr. Popov detailed the potential scenario. "Благомир Коцев is currently formally on leave. His leave expires on October 30." After that day, he explained, a 30-day period begins during which the mayor has the right to be absent from work without justifiable reasons. "After this period expires, a procedure for removal may begin. By the end of November, Varna will no longer have a mayor." In this case, the municipal council will be forced to elect a temporary acting mayor for a period of two months, until extraordinary local elections are held, which, according to Mr. Popov, would take place sometime in January.

According to Popov, such a development would lead to a de facto substitution of the vote of the people of Varna, undermining the legitimacy of the leadership chosen by them. This scenario highlights not only the problems that may arise in the city"s administration, but also the broader problem of democratic principles and their potential undermining.

The possible removal of the mayor, despite the people"s vote, is a serious signal of a potential crisis in local governance and is a prerequisite for challenging the legitimacy of any future decision made in this context. The situation is sensitive and events will be closely monitored, especially considering the inevitable emotional reactions that the possible absence of an elected mayor in the city could provoke. The trial is expected to continue, and the consequences of the court"s decision will significantly influence the political climate and governance in Varna.