Ivelin Mihaylov: Ecological Disaster and Plunder — From Waste Burning and Sewage in the Sea to the Theft of Nuclear Shelters and Beaches

On the program “Delnitsi,” Ivelin Mihaylov exposes large-scale environmental crimes and local corruption networks, ranging from waste burning in Kovachki’s thermal power plants and sewage pollution in the Black Sea to schemes for stealing valuable properties and beaches in Varna and Nessebar.

Oligarchic Protection for Polluters

Ivelin Mihaylov points to a direct connection between political figures in power and environmental crimes. He gives the example of Hristo Kovachki, whose thermal power plants burn waste and commit severe violations of environmental standards. According to the leader of “Velichie,” the law does not apply to this oligarch because he enjoys the protection of those who arrange the political landscape in the country.

Another aspect of the environmental threat is linked to Ivo Prokopiev and plans for the large-scale development of Bulgaria with wind turbines and solar panels. Mihaylov claims that the caretaker government will use its time to issue permits for these projects, which will alter the country’s landscape in favor of private interests.

He contrasts this model with what he calls the “true renewable resources” — nature, forests, water, and agriculture — which should be properly managed rather than destroyed by the mining industry, which he says does not invest in people or education but only causes damage.

The Fight Against Illegal Landfills

The “Velichie” party is conducting active on-the-ground efforts against pollution, having submitted reports about more than 6,000 illegal landfills and sites across the country. However, this activity encounters fierce resistance from local power structures and criminal groups:

• The Bistritsa Case: After a report about an illegal landfill, the car and the front door of the mayor of Bistritsa were set on fire. Mihaylov links the arson to a criminal individual whose name, he claims, representatives of PP-DB are afraid to mention publicly.
• Pressure and Extortion: Mihaylov himself has allegedly been targeted because of his landfill disclosures. Members of parliament (Georgi Andreev from BSP) and individuals from the criminal underworld were reportedly sent against him for extortion.
• Attacks on Offices: In response to the party’s actions against illegal activities, the windows of one of their offices were also broken.

Environmental Disaster and Corruption on the Black Sea Coast

Mihaylov describes a severe situation in the municipality of Nessebar, where corruption and negligence lead to environmental and infrastructure problems:

1. Sewage Pollution: The wastewater treatment plant in Sveti Vlas, designed for a capacity of 2,500 people, currently serves more than 50,000. This results in sewage being discharged directly into the sea during the summer season. Mihaylov claims the problem could be solved within six months, but there is no political will.
2. Business Extortion: While ordinary hotel owners with proper documentation are illegally cut off from electricity and water, figures connected to Peevski and Borisov allegedly excavate streets under police protection.
3. Theft of Beaches in Varna: Mihaylov describes schemes for purchasing beach areas by individuals such as Daniel Slavov – Dǎnkata.
4. Saving a Campsite: The party claims it managed to prevent the theft of a campsite valued at 500 million leva.

Schemes for Draining Municipal Budgets and Properties

Corruption at the local level is organized in a way that conceals financial trails. Mihaylov explains the mechanism in public procurement: when a renovation is carried out in a given town (for example Dryanovo), the contractor is selected from another distant city (for example Burgas). The goal is to prevent the local community from knowing how much the company was paid and what portion of the amount was stolen.

In Varna, a scheme involving the appropriation of a large nuclear shelter has also been exposed. According to Mihaylov, it involves foreign citizens (Syrians) who control markets in the city and have connections to drug trafficking. Although “Velichie” has raised the issue publicly, the reaction of other political forces such as “Vazrazhdane” and GERB has allegedly been defensive toward the scheme, downplaying the problem.

These examples illustrate Mihaylov’s thesis that state institutions (environmental inspectorates, forestry services, municipalities) do not operate for the benefit of citizens but serve oligarchic circles that destroy nature and steal Bulgaria’s resources.