Sofia Appoints New Deputy Mayor for Environment Amidst Waste Management Concerns

Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev has appointed Eng. Nikolay Nedelkov as the new Deputy Mayor for the “Environment” Department, effective March 4, 2026. This change comes as the municipality seeks to strengthen its focus on waste management and increase efficiency in the sector, following the mutual agreement to part ways with former Deputy Mayor Nadezhda Bobcheva.

Changes in Sofia’s Leadership

The appointment of Nedelkov, previously the director of the Sofia Inspectorate, is intended to bring a renewed operational and control focus to the city’s environmental challenges. Bobcheva’s departure was announced on March 3, 2026, with both parties agreeing to the separation according to focus-news.net.

Nedelkov’s Experience

Mayor Terziev expressed his confidence in Nedelkov, citing his professionalism, principle and efficiency demonstrated during his time at the Sofia Inspectorate and during recent crisis management efforts. Nedelkov has over ten years of experience within the Sofia Municipality, specializing in waste control and management. He began his career at the Sofia Inspectorate in 2013 as a senior inspector, progressing to lead key units focused on construction waste control and combating illegal dumping. He was appointed director of the Sofia Inspectorate at the conclude of 2023, where he initiated a large-scale inspection of illegal landfills, mapping over 240 unregulated sites.

Addressing Waste Management Issues

The move to strengthen control over waste management comes after Sofia has faced challenges in its waste collection services. Earlier in the year, in January 2026, the municipality acknowledged a crisis in waste collection, particularly in the Lyulin, Krasno Selo, Poduyane, and Slatina districts. While improvements were expected by mid-January, issues persisted with overflowing bins and delayed collection schedules.

Recent Developments

On March 3, 2026, 140 passengers arrived in Sofia on a flight from Oman, organized by the owner of a foreign low-cost airline. President Iliana Yotova and other leaders commemorated March 3rd as a day of Bulgarian national identity and remembrance.