From Theodora's World to Snejana's Struggle in the European Prosecutor's Office

Theodora Georgieva, once venerated as a savior of Bulgaria's judiciary, is now at the center of a controversy. Initially, she was seen as a symbol of change, promising to reform the corrupt system and expose political protectors. However, recent revelations have shifted the narrative dramatically.

The Early Years of Theodora Georgieva

Until 2020, Theodora Georgieva was an unknown figure outside the judicial system. She had worked as a prosecutor and administrative judge, and at 42, she entered the competition for the position of European prosecutor. The role was established to protect the financial interests of the European Union and to prosecute those who embezzled EU funds.

At the time, Laura Kovesi, a Romanian, had already gained a reputation as a staunch anti-corruption fighter. Under her leadership, many high-ranking officials in Romania had been convicted and jailed. Her appointment as the chief prosecutor of the EU was seen as a beacon of hope for Bulgaria. Theodora Georgieva was expected to carry this fight against corruption.

The Revelations and Controversies

The narrative changed significantly in 2024 when it was revealed that Georgieva's nomination to the European prosecutor's office was facilitated through connections with Petyo Petrov, a controversial figure known as "Pepi Euro." Petrov, a former head of Sofia's investigation, was notorious for his involvement in dubious schemes and his passion for alcohol and European currency.

A documentary released in the summer of 2020 exposed Petrov's influence over the prosecutor's office. It was then revealed that Georgieva had visited a restaurant owned by Petrov, a revelation that occurred just months before her nomination to the European prosecutor's office in June 2020. The timing of her nomination raised eyebrows, especially given that she was not the highest-ranked candidate in the selection process.

The controversy has sparked doubts about the integrity of the Bulgarian judicial system and the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts in the country. The revelations about Georgieva's nomination and the involvement of Petrov have further eroded public trust in the judiciary.