Deputy energy minister resigns over apartment deals controversy

This is the latest resignation following Justice Minister Tsetska Tsacheva's and Deputy Sports Minister Vanya Koleva's on 23^rd of March.

He was one of the ministers and deputy ministers of Boyko Borissov's government who purchased a luxury apartment from ‘Arteks’ Company at below-market prices. The resignation follows reports naming Purvanov as among the politicians from the ruling majority who allegedly benefited from below-market prices for acquiring apartments in the upmarket Iztok residential area in Sofia.

According to data published in the media, in 2018 the deputy minister bought an apartment of 150 sq. m. with two garages of 50 sq. m. for the price of 240,000 BGN (approximately 120,000 euro).

Purvanov was nominated for his post by the National Front for Salvation of Bulgaria (NFSB) which is part of the ruling coalition.

Bulgaria’s anti-corruption commission has started an investigation into the apartment purchases at below-market prices from Arteks by GERB deputy leader Tsvetan Tsvetanov, Tsetska Tsacheva, MP Vezhdi Rashidov and Vanya Koleva. It will look into the market prices, the origin of the funds, potential trading in influence and conflict of interest in legislative acts along with the activity of the company, including sales and prices, potential links to political parties.