Scandal in the "Culture" Fund: National Audit Office Reveals Purchases of Lingerie, Dresses, and Bags with Public Funds

The National "Culture" Fund has become the subject of a serious audit by the National Audit Office, which reveals a series of financial and procedural violations for the period 2021–2023. One of the most sensational findings is related to expenses for "workwear."

According to the checks, instead of professional equipment, the fund has covered invoices for personal items such as dresses, bags, lingerie, boxers, leggings, belts, and even hiking boots. The amounts for clothing were paid to employees totaling nearly 14,000 BGN, with 1,600 BGN of that going directly to the Executive Director.

The audit also highlights systemic problems in the way funds are distributed for creative projects. Instead of the cultural value of the projects being the leading factor, the correct filling out of technical forms was of decisive importance. Krasimir Dimitrov, a director at the National Audit Office, notes the lack of documentation and control, pointing out that there is no evidence as to whether the funded projects have real creative content.

In addition to the clothing expenses, other financial discrepancies were found:

• Remuneration exceeded the allocated funds by nearly 600,000 BGN.
• A large part of the salary budget was directed toward external services (lawyers, accountants) hired on civil contracts, instead of permanent staff.
• Delays in projects under the Recovery and Resilience Plan create a risk of losing European funds.

The Ministry of Culture declined immediate comment, stating that they are preparing an official position on the case.