News

14 January 2026

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva and Acting Chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) Alexander Kolyachev agreed to introduce a "fast track" for complaints received by the public defender related to violated consumer rights and unjustified price increases following the introduction of the euro.

The reason for the meeting was the frequent reports to the Ombudsman about price increases for food, goods, and services, as well as public discontent with unclear commercial practices, lack of transparency in pricing, and citizens' fears that the transition to the euro is being used to artificially inflate prices.

"The introduction of the euro cannot be an excuse for price pressure on people. Our goal is for complaints to be processed quickly, transparently, and with real results," said the Ombudsman.

"The CPC responds and will respond to every complaint with inspections and all subsequent actions within the limits of the law against violators, so that the rights of citizens are protected," assured CPC Chairman Kolyachev.

Under the agreed "fast-track" procedure, the Ombudsman will continue to send complaints requiring regulatory review to the CPC, and the Commission will review them as a matter of priority and subsequently report on the results. The mechanism will also apply to quick loan companies, public service providers, mobile operators, food retailers, and other businesses dealing with stuff people buy every day.

The first specific inspection on this issue will be carried out by the CPC at the children's feeding kitchen in Vidin. Velislava Delcheva has also referred the case to the mayor of the municipality, Tsvetan Tsenkov, with a recommendation to investigate and take the necessary measures.