The Coalition "Continuing the Change - Democratic Bulgaria" today sent a signal to the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in connection with the appointment of Vladimir Malinov, former acting Minister of Energy, as executive director of the state-owned company "Bulgartransgaz" EAD. The signal also focuses on the ongoing investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office into the project for the expansion of the "Chiren" gas storage facility, PP-DB announced.
Yesterday, "Yes, Bulgaria" also filed a report with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against the return of Vladimir Malinov as executive director of “Bulgartransgaz“ EAD. The signal is in connection with a violation of anti-corruption legislation (specifically Art. 86, para. 1 of the Anti-Corruption Act) in the part where it is provided that a person who has held a public office is not entitled, for one year from his dismissal from office, to conclude contracts for the performance of management or control functions with companies in relation to which, in the last one year of the performance of his powers or duties in office, he has carried out actions of order, regulation or control.
The signal to the European Public Prosecutor's Office expresses serious concerns about a conflict of interest due to the fact that during his mandate as Minister of Energy (April 2024 - January 2025) Malinov participated in decisions directly affecting the activities of “Bulgartransgaz“. His appointment to the company calls into question the ethics and legality of this transition.
A violation of Article 86 of the Anti-Corruption Act and European directives aimed at preventing corruption and ensuring fair competition is pointed out. The lack of transparency is also highlighted. Malinov's appointment raises concerns about the integrity of decision-making processes in “Bulgartransgaz“ and in the Bulgarian government.
The ongoing investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office in connection with the “Chiren“ gas storage project is recalled. The investigation is focused on suspicions of misuse of European funds, insufficient control over public procurement and possible violations of European legislation related to the spending of public resources. The signal to the European Public Prosecutor's Office unites these two cases, highlighting key problems such as transparency of procedures – both in the appointment of Vladimir Malinov and in the conduct of public procurement for the “Chiren“ project.
The letter urges the European Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate whether Malinov's appointment violates Bulgarian or European conflict of interest laws. It also seeks an answer as to whether decisions taken by him during his ministerial mandate have created undue advantages for “Bulgartransgaz“. It requests an examination of whether legal and ethical procedures were followed in his appointment and whether there are possible links between his appointment and the ongoing investigation into the “Chiren“ gas storage project.
“The appointment of Vladimir Malinov has caused serious public outrage, as he occupies a key role in a sector of strategic importance for national energy security and energy infrastructure. "There are grounds for doubt about the legality of the procedure for his election, as well as potential conflicts of interest related to his new role," said Radoslav Ribarski, deputy chairman of the parliamentary energy committee from the PP-DB.
The coalition emphasizes the importance of transparency and compliance with ethical standards in the management of public institutions and insists on an objective and thorough investigation of the case.