Bulgaria's Ombudsman Sues Toplofikatsiya Sofia

Ombudsman Maya Manolova has initiated a law suit against Toplofikatsiya Sofia. Manolova is appealing the refusal of the venture to provide information about the collection of payments owed by consumers via judicial procedures.

Nearly two months ago, Manolova requested from Toplofikatsiya Sofia answers to 10 questions under the Law on Access to Public Information. This happened after the Constitutional Court rejected the demand for legal fees of jurists to be declared unconstitutional. Toplofikatsiya Sofia collects these fees from its debtors in spite of the fact that the salaries of jurists are included in the price of heating energy.

According to the Ombudsman, last year, the venture collected over BGN 15 M from such fees.

Manolova has turned to the Sofia Administrative Court. In her complaint she pointed out that the information requested is a matter of great public interest.