These are some of the top headlines in Bulgarian newspapers on July 16 2008. The Sofia Echo has not verified these stories and cannot vouch for their accuracy.

Politics

- There are powerful forces in the Cabinet and the state institutions who did not wanted anyone linked to businessman Lyudmil Stoykov to be punished, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) said in a letter sent to Deputy Prime Minister for EU Funds Meglena Plougchieva, Dnevnik daily reported. Stoykov was investigated for alleged embezzlement of money from the European Union pre-accession programme Sapard.

- The European Commission’s (EC) criticism on vote-buying and party funding would be included in the EC report on Bulgaria to be released on July 23, Dnevnik quoted a “source from the EC” as saying. European Integration Minister Gergana Grancharova confirmed the information.

Social

- Policemen combed some of Sofia's neighbourhoods for more than 11 hours on July 14, Sega daily said. According to unofficial information, they were searching for the kidnapped Kamelia Boncheva, wife of Litex football club president Angel Bonchev.

- National Movement for Stability and Progress suggested that income taxes be reduced by 10 per cent for anyone voting at elections, Monitor daily said. Pensioners who vote should receive a one per cent increase of the pensions. The suggestion is an attempt to stimulate people to vote.

Economy

- Bulgaria may have to return 6.8 million euro to the EC, provided for two projects under the Phare pre-accession programme, because the projects were delayed and there were some irregularities in their completion, Dnevnik said.