Ivanov digs in, calls Vassilev’s ring talk a roadshow

Ivan Ivanov, the Minister of Regional Development, defended the 2026 budget allocations for the Sofia Ring Road, stating that only 17 million euros are designated for design work. He accused a political opponent, Assen Vassilev, of misleading the public by citing a 1 billion euro figure. The minister clarified that this larger sum is a preliminary estimate for the 2027-2028 period, pending parliamentary approval.

He explained that the planned 8-kilometer section, developed in partnership with Sofia Municipality, is the nation’s most complex infrastructure project. Its route through densely populated areas requires a tunnel, an overpass, and crossings over rivers and a dam wall. The final cost, he stated, will only be known after design completion and a contractor selection process.

Minister Ivanov also reported that his ministry’s current budget is burdened by compensating for unfinished projects and unpaid obligations from previous governments, amounting to billions. Despite this inherited financial commitment, he noted that the government has managed to rehabilitate 150 kilometers of highway and launch new sections.