Abrovsky Plamen

Brussels negotiator and agricultural strategist: how a European law expert became head of Bulgaria's Ministry of Agriculture

Plamen Nikolayev Abrovsky (47 years old) is a leading Bulgarian lawyer, politician, and recognized expert in European agricultural law and the EU Common Agricultural Policy. Born in Vratsa, he graduated from Southwest University and has dedicated over 20 years to the agricultural sector. A key stage in his career was a 5-year diplomatic mandate at the Permanent Representation of Bulgaria in Brussels (2010–2015), where he served as the chief negotiator for the country on European funds. Later, he was elected as a deputy from the "There Is Such a People" (ITN) party and chaired the parliamentary commission on land resources. In May 2026, representing the "Progressive Bulgaria" party quota, he became Minister of Agriculture and Food in a government formed with the support of President Rumen Radev.

War against retail chains, 140% markup on butter, and the shadow of criminal boss Takis

Abrovsky's ministerial term in October 2026 entered a phase of harsh confrontation with major retail chains. Together with tax authorities (NAP) and the Consumer Protection Commission, the government launched large-scale raids and thorough inspections of central warehouses of retail chains (notably Lidl in Ravno Pole). Inspectors accused retailers of abnormally high price markups for the population amid farmers' hardships — markups on basic butter and cheeses reached shocking 100%–140% compared to the European norm of 25%. Beyond the "food war," the minister's reputation has been shadowed by behind-the-scenes accusations: in Bulgarian media and social networks, his appointment was sharply criticized due to alleged undisclosed ties with criminal circles, particularly with the entourage of the notoriously known mafia boss Christoforo Amanitiadis (nickname "Takis"). The minister himself denies these allegations, focusing on "cleansing" supply chains and investigating the causes of the displacement of Bulgarian products by foreign imports.