FUN

Dignitaries, ministers and even foreign guests were "invited" into the jeep while the Bulgarian prime minster went for a government-provided ride. The video clips were then circulated on social media, attracting a huge number of clicks by both supporters and critics. Eagle-eyed Bulgarians, however, noted there was something wrong with the former prime minister's jeep. Oddly, its number plate was identical to the number plate of an Audi which also belonged to Boyko Borisov's retinue.

As a result of what some Bulgarians refer to as the "unbridled" construction of hotels, resorts and holiday homes – "entombing the Black Sea in concrete" – many of them have been destroyed. If you look at photos of the sand dunes south of Sozopol taken just 15 years ago and compare to the reality of today you will be either angered to tears (if you care for nature and the environment) or reach for your pocketbook (if you are a property developer). Still, some beaches do remain as they once were.

1. What cocktail is a must at a Bulgarian beach?

A. Mint liquor with Sprite

B. Mojito

C. Manhattan

2. Bulgaria's only oil refinery is nearby...

A. Blagoevgrad

B. Bansko

C. Burgas

3. Bulgaria sent more men or women to the Tokyo Olympics?

A. Men

B. Women

C. Equal number

We know who got the loans but we do not know on what conditions. The management continues to withhold this information.

Economy Minister Kiril Petkov on the state-owned Bulgarian Development Bank, which was supposed to finance small and mid-size businesses but lent 3 billion leva to only 20 people

But owing to its topography it is one of the best places in Europe to explore bridges. Bulgaria's bridges are dated from the late Middle Ages, when the Ottomans invaded, to the late 20th century, when the Communists went ahead with sometimes megalomaniacal construction projects. Exploring Bulgaria's bridges and the plethora of stories behind them can easily become one of the highlights of your stay in Bulgaria, especially if you do some bungee jumping from the one pictured here.

Usually made in his inimitable style, a combination of uncouth nativism and broadspeak, they can easily fill up books. Here is a selection of Borisov's most recent public statements, rendered verbatim:

1. Which region in this country is popularly referred to as Bulgaria's Granary?

A. Dobrudzha

B. The Black Sea coast

C. Sofia Plain

2. Which Bulgarian mountain is famed for its seven lakes?

A. The Stara Planina

At the beginning of an exam a student turns to the professor:

"Let's now see what you have taught me online."

*

"Do you remember when we were optimistic and made grandiose plans?"

"That was yesterday. Now clean up the mess."

*

"They opened the gyms."

"Finally! Haven't been to one in 12 years."

*

An electricity meter installed at a Bulgarian court suddenly changed its testimony.

*

"There are three surefire ways to lose money."

"?"

"Fast, pleasant and foolproof."

"?"

Transparent elections will be possible only if Borisov's shadow state is dismantled.

Atanas Atanasov, Democrats for Strong Bulgaria

The criteria are problematic and should be revised. We are trying to create mechanisms to prevent this from happening in the future.

Atanas Pekanov, caretaker Deputy Prime Minister on the plan for Bulgaria's recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic prepared by Boyko Borisov's government

1. Where is Kaliakra Fortress?

A. In the Rhodope

B. Near Sofia

C. At the Black Sea coast

2. When will be the next general election?

A. 11 July

B. 18 June

C. 11 June

3. Which monument stands in central Sofia?

A. Creators of the Bulgarian State

B. Red Army Monument

C. Hristo Botev Monument