“Maria Tsantsarova dared to accuse her direct supervisor of influencing editorial content, while her boss has a duty to ensure that all points of view are represented,” bTV said in a statement this Monday.
The channel, belonging to the Czech group PPF, accused its presenter of repeatedly violating internal editorial standards.
In a message published today on social media, the journalist, who was conducting political interviews, confirmed that she had been removed from presenting the main morning program.
Hundreds of people demonstrated in front of the bTV headquarters on Friday in support of the journalist, after her differences with the administration became public.
Another demonstration is planned for Tuesday, reported the agency France-Presse (AFP).
The European Federation of Journalists (FEJ) condemned “this act of censorship” in a statement and demanded “the immediate reinstatement of the journalist known for her incisive questions”.
“In recent years, Ms Tsantsarova has been the target of repeated attacks by political figures,” added the FEJ, which requested an investigation into the possible political pressure to which bTV was subjected.”
The organization Reporters Without Borders ranks this Balkan country, a member of the European Union, in 70th place in its 2025 index, stating that press freedom is “fragile” and “unstable”.
Bulgaria held seven early elections as a result of the widespread anti-corruption protests of 2020.
Another election is likely after the resignation, earlier this month, of the Conservative-led government, following new anti-corruption protests.
“The removal of an important independent journalist, in the middle of a social crisis, raises serious concerns about political interference in the Bulgarian media,” said Maja Sever, president of the Bulgarian Federation of Journalists.
