New official figures show that inflation in Bulgaria has hit a 10-year high. In its latest issue, out on the streets on April 18, The Sofia Echo outlines the figures – and the newest data on how household income and spending has changed.

Much is going on in the energy sector, and the newspaper looks at the latest developments around electricity distribution companies.

On the regional front, The Sofia Echo describes the newest political drama in Macedonia. In our Insight section, we explore how Bulgaria, Greece and Romania are dealing with the vexed issue of pension funds.

On the home front, ructions continue as Bulgaria’s senior politicians haggle over the way forward after the resignation of Interior Minister Roumen Petkov, with a new approach to how the Cabinet is made up apparently on the cards.

In the features section, The Sofia Echo has an interview with South African ambassador Gerhard Visser to mark that country’s forthcoming national day on April 27, and recounts the tragedy and turning point in Bulgarian history that was the April Uprising against Ottoman rule.

In addition, there are our usual restaurant, venue and film reviews and useful listings about what’s on.

Next week’s issue, on April 25, will see our special feature, The Netherlands in Bulgaria.