Sofia

Joana Kehlibarova has been officially appointed as the Honorary Consul of Australia to Bulgaria, marking a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria presented her with the Consular Exequatur on 18 November 2024, confirming her appointment.

The weather on Wednesday, November 20, is expected to be mostly sunny and windy across Bulgaria, with rain in the southwestern regions by evening, according to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology. A moderate to strong south-southwesterly wind will blow throughout the country. Morning temperatures will range from 2°C to 7°C, with Sofia at 3°C.

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev criticized the influence of the oligarchy in the country, referencing the "Magnitsky-sanctioned figures" who he believes are undermining the state.

A tragic incident occurred at a school in Sofia where an 11-year-old girl passed away, BNT reported.

The child lost consciousness earlier this morning. The school nurse immediately contacted emergency services for assistance.

Taxi drivers across Bulgaria are set to stage a nationwide protest tomorrow, voicing dissatisfaction with the rising costs of mandatory "Civil Liability" insurance. The protest, organized by the National Association for the Protection of Carriers and Taxi Drivers (NAZPTV), is expected to significantly impact traffic in 30 cities.

Members of the far-right group "Europe of Sovereign Nations" (ESN) are set to meet in Sofia on November 20 and 21, according to a statement from a spokesperson for the group's chairman, René Aust.

Residents of Sofia's "Krasna Polyana" neighborhood are once again raising concerns about dangerously polluted air as the fall season brings worsening conditions. Locals report a strong smell of synthetics, burnt clothes, and tires in the air, with some saying it is visibly dirty. Many blame nearby areas, including the "Vietnamese dormitories," for contributing to the pollution.

On Tuesday, Bulgaria will experience mostly sunny weather, with a light to moderate south-southwesterly breeze, according to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology. Morning temperatures will range from minus 3°C to 2°C, with Sofia expecting a low of minus 2°C. The afternoon will see highs between 10°C and 15°C, with Sofia reaching 11°C.

A tragic incident occurred in Sofia early this morning, where a 34-year-old police officer took his own life while in uniform, according to information from NOVA.

An armed robbery took place early this morning at a gambling hall in Sofia's "Hadji Dimitar" district. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the exact amount stolen remains unknown as the investigation is ongoing.