Bulgarian Politicians Tangled in Latest 'Welfare' Scandal

Bulgaria's Ombudsman, Ginio Ganev, is, allegedly, among individuals, who have received rights to build beach hotels by claiming to be on welfare. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria's Ombudsman, Ginio Ganev, the Member of the Parliament from the ruling GERB party, Dimitar Boychev, are among a group of people who have received building rights in the coastal town of St. Vlas by claiming to be on social benefits.

The group also includes, the Chief Architect of Nessebar, Valentin Dimov, magistrates and State employees, the Bulgarian daily “168 Chassa” (168 Hours) writes.

They have all been granted building rights during the mayoral term of Nikolay Trifonov, who had the authority to personally decide who will receive a permit.

A similar scandal, involving building rights given to relatives of high-ranking magistrates in anther resort town – Primosrsko, recently shook Bulgaria's embattled judicial system.