Slavi Trifonov Accuses Caretaker Government of Partisanship, Points to Discrepancies in “Petrohan” Case

Bulgarian musician and political figure Slavi Trifonov has leveled accusations of partisanship against the newly appointed caretaker government led by Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov. Trifonov, writing on Facebook on February 18, 2026, specifically criticized the inclusion of individuals he alleges are affiliated with the PPDB (We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria) coalition and the MRF (Movement for Rights and Freedoms). His statements come amid ongoing scrutiny of the “Petrohan” case, involving deaths at a mountain hut.

Discrepancies in the “Petrohan” Case

Trifonov focused on the case of Ivan Hristanov, the new Minister of Agriculture, alleging he previously spread misinformation during the election campaign regarding Trifonov’s alleged involvement with the “Captain Andreevo” case. He further highlighted discrepancies between initial claims surrounding the deaths at the Petrokhan hut and the findings of the Ministry of Interior.

According to Trifonov, initial reports from the PPDB and affiliated media outlets suggested the individuals who died at Petrokhan were “good guys” killed by timber mafia members. These reports likewise alleged the presence of DANS (State Agency for National Security) agents within the “National Agency for the Control of Protected Territories” NGO, implying state involvement in the deaths. Trifonov claims Hristanov echoed similar sentiments.

Ministry of Interior Findings

However, Trifonov states that the Ministry of Interior’s investigation revealed a different scenario: three suicides in the Petrokhan hut and two deaths – one suicide and one homicide – in a camper. He asserts that the investigation found no evidence of external interference, mafia involvement, or embedded agents. Trifonov described a video released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs showing the individuals at Petrokhan kneeling and striking their heads on the ground in front of Ivaylo Kalushev, suggesting a cult-like dynamic.

Allegations of Political Involvement

Trifonov alleges a clear presence of politicians and political figures, particularly from the PPDB, in the events surrounding the case. He expressed confidence that many readers already understood this to be the truth prior to the Ministry of Interior and Prosecutor’s Office briefing.

Caretaker Government Criticized as “Party Cabinet”

Trifonov characterized the caretaker government as a “party cabinet” of the PPDB, accusing them of appointing party functionaries and individuals within their circle without shame or morality. He specifically pointed to Emil Dechev, the proposed Minister of Internal Affairs, as a former deputy minister under Kiril Petkov and linked to Nadezhda Yordanova’s DB quota, alleging his involvement in the swift registration of a sectarian NGO.

As of February 18, 2026, the situation remains under investigation and continues to be a subject of political debate in Bulgaria.