Sofia Mayor and MRF Leader Clash Over State Property Transfer

Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev and Delyan Peevski, leader of the MRF-New Beginning party, engaged in a public dispute on March 12, 2026, regarding Terziev’s proposal to transfer state-owned properties in Sofia to the municipality. The disagreement centers on dozens of currently unused state properties that the City Hall aims to utilize for public services and urban development.

Terziev’s Proposal

Mayor Terziev has proposed acquiring state-owned properties, including landmark buildings like the former Notary’s Office, the former headquarters of the SDS and the Vrana Park, to address the city’s needs. These include constructing kindergartens, providing administrative space, and creating new parks and cultural facilities. Six reports detailing these proposals are scheduled to be considered at a meeting of the Sofia Municipal Council on Thursday.

MRF-New Beginning Calls for Moratorium

In response, Delyan Peevski announced that MRF-New Beginning will submit a proposal for a moratorium on the transfer of state properties by the caretaker government. Peevski claims the move is intended to prevent what he calls a “scheme” to acquire over 1300 decares (more than one square kilometer) of state land in Sofia, alleging a plan to favor party colleagues in the official cabinet. He characterized the plan as an “insatiable appetite for real estate schemes.”

Terziev’s Response

Mayor Terziev swiftly responded to Peevski’s criticism on Facebook, stating, “A greedy hen, millet dreams. How could the Metropolitan Municipality ask for properties for kindergartens, a park and culture? This is what we want for Sofia, instead of empty and crumbling buildings.” He further dismissed Peevski’s accusations, suggesting they stem from a history of “schemes” and a concern that the properties won’t be used for personal gain.

GERB to Support Transfer

Boyko Borissov, leader of GERB, announced on Facebook that the party will support Terziev’s request in the Sofia Municipal Council. He stated that GERB will support the transfer because they have previously supported similar measures during their own governments. However, GERB also emphasized they will closely monitor the use of the properties to prevent them from being developed into skyscrapers or being improperly seized.

Background

The dispute comes amid broader political tensions in Sofia, including criticism of the city’s ongoing garbage crisis.