Varna: Deputy Mayor Fulfills Mayor's Functions

Deputy Mayor Snezhana Apostolova is performing the functions of the Mayor of Varna today, November 17th. This announcement came from the Municipality's press center, confirming information circulating throughout the city all day. The decision was made by order of Blagomir Kotsev, who continues to play a key role in the management of the sea capital.

The order, detailed in the provided documents, was issued in accordance with Art. 39, para. 2 of the Local Self-Government and Local Administration Act. This allows the deputy mayor to temporarily take over leadership due to the use of paid annual leave by the mayor, valid only for today.

The Municipality confirmed that a copy of the order was duly sent to key institutions, including the Regional Governor, the Chairman of the Municipal Council, and all mayors of the district administrations. This gesture underlines transparency and adherence to procedures in the complex administrative environment.

It is worth remembering that the Mayor of Varna, Blagomir Kotsev, was arrested on July 8, 2025. From that moment, the city entered a period of political change and administrative transformation. Until November 11th, the functions of the mayor were performed by his deputy, Pavel Popov.

The atmosphere in the city in the days following the arrest was tense. Time seemed to slow down as citizens and politicians awaited a resolution. On November 12th, before a packed hall, Pavel Popov announced at a press conference that Blagomir Kotsev would continue to perform his duties as mayor from jail. This statement sparked a wave of comments and speculation.

Even greater attention was drawn by the announcement from the day after. The Sofia City Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment in the Sofia City Court in the case against Kotsev. Legal proceedings began to flow, and everyone's attention turned to the courtroom. A scheduling hearing is scheduled, which will determine the future of the case and the fate of the mayor.