First Working Day for Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev After His Arrest: “I Feel Recharged and Rested”

The Mayor of Varna, Blagomir Kotsev, has returned to work at Varna Municipality after spending nearly five months in custody.

He said his first day back was expected to be a long one, “so I will gladly welcome the people of Varna on the steps of the municipal building”.

“Charged, rested and in good spirits, as far as that is possible after everything that has happened – but I am enthusiastic to see how things have been functioning in the municipality,” Kotsev said as he entered the building.

He expressed confidence that there was much to catch up on. Kotsev added that he was not surprised “after yet another attack regarding the fundraising initiative organised to cover my bail”.

Mayor of Varna Released from Custody: “I Can’t Wait for the Truth to Come Out”

photo by BGNES

“Every possible tool is being used for discreditation,” he said.

“This attack does not surprise me. It will, of course, lose credibility.”

He clarified that perjury cases would “certainly” follow.

Kotsev said that his first task at the municipality would be to hold the Monday morning operational meeting “so I can see my entire team”.

“To see everyone – my whole team – and have them report what they have done over these past months. I need to review the important and urgent issues we must address quickly. After the meeting, I will reconsider much of the policy approach and the way dialogue is conducted in Varna Municipality, because over the past year and a half that dialogue has not been good,” he explained, calling on political parties and the Municipal Council to return to normal dialogue.

“We are opening a new chapter in the governance of this municipality,” he added.

He said he supported the public protest and urged people “not to be afraid to defend their rights”.

“The idea of me standing as a presidential candidate is absolutely not on the table,” Kotsev said firmly.

“I withstood enormous pressure, but it was most difficult for my family and for the people of Varna. My family lived through the worst. My wife is a hero – today is her birthday, and I want to congratulate her.”

He added that the trauma experienced was indescribable.

Asked whether he had received threats urging him to join another political party, Blagomir Kotsev replied: “Yes, I have.”

“Invitations that could be interpreted in various ways,” he added.