Bulgaria's New Interim Administration
A new caretaker government has taken office in Bulgaria, led by Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov. This follows the resignation of the previous administration in December. The country is now preparing for snap parliamentary elections scheduled for April 19, which will mark the eighth general election since 2021. Bulgaria, a member of the European Union and NATO, has been experiencing prolonged political instability.
Andrey Gyurov, the interim premier, heads a cabinet that includes several key appointments:
- Andrey Yankulov as Minister of Justice;
- Borislav Sarafov as Acting Chief Prosecutor;
- Nadezhda Neinska as Minister of Foreign Affairs;
- Stoil Tsitselkov as Deputy Prime Minister for 'Fair Voting'.
Presidential Resignation and Political Landscape
President Rumen Radev has announced his resignation. According to a Market Links poll from February 16, Radev's unnamed party holds 25.6% support, while the GERB party has 15.4% and the 'We Continue the Change/Democratic Bulgaria' bloc has 12.5%. A separate survey by the Myara agency on February 17 projects that an alliance backing Radev could secure up to 33.3% of the vote in the upcoming elections. President Radev's term will officially end following a ruling by the Constitutional Court.
“Nine years ago, you entrusted me with the role of President of Bulgaria. Together, we weathered numerous crises, attacks from oligarchic interests, and major protests in 2020 and 2025. Circumstances compelled me to appoint caretaker governments. Today, I address you for the last time as your president. First and foremost, I wish to ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for your patience. I acknowledge my mistakes.”
— Rumen Radev
The situation underscores a period of political turbulence in Bulgaria that has persisted for several years, resulting in frequent government turnovers. The interim government under Andrey Gyurov has limited scope to stabilize the political environment before the April vote. Radev's departure and the snap elections are poised to reshape the nation's political direction, particularly concerning the fight against oligarchic influence and the administration of fair elections.