BULGARIA’S REGISTRY AGENCY CHIEF FIRED

The executive director of the Registry Agency, Violeta Nikolova, has been dismissed, Bulgaria's Justice Ministry said on February 20 2012.
 

The agency's under-performance was the reason for the firing of Nikolova, the latest senior official to lose her post in a few days and also the latest to be caught up in controversy about accepting large sums in bonuses.
 

Reportedly, in 2011 Nikolova accepted 72 000 leva (about 36 000 euro) in bonuses, of which 24 000 leva was paid on the instructions of then-justice minister and now Vice President Margarita Popova, while Nikolova was paid the remainder at her own discretion, Bulgarian National Television said.
 

On February 17, National Health Insurance Fund chief Neli Nesheva stepped down after being asked to do so by Prime Minister Boiko Borissov because of similar controversy about Nesheva being paid large bonuses, adding up to more than 12 000 leva in 2011.
 

Nikolova's dismissal followed an investigation by the Ministry of Justice, prompted by media reports.
 

Bulgarian-language media said that Nikolova had refused a request made under access to information legislation to provide details of bonuses paid in the Registry Agency.
 

On February 17, State Agency for Child Protection Agency chief Nadia Shabani stepped down, saying that her reasons were personal. No controversy had preceded her departure.