In advance of the April elections, Bulgaria’s interim Prime Minister, Andrey Gyurov, emphasised on Thursday that the nation’s pro-Western orientation remains a fundamental value and a strategic commitment. Addressing the National Assembly following his and his ministers’ oath of office, Gyurov affirmed Bulgaria’s continued support for efforts to achieve a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. He reiterated the government’s intention to work closely with allies in the European Union and NATO. “Bulgaria is part of the democratic community and is dedicated to upholding this principle by being reliable, maintaining economic stability, and preserving the democratic order,” stated Gyurov.
Gyurov, an experienced economist aged 50, has served as the deputy governor of the Bulgarian central bank since 2023. He has also served as a lawmaker and floor leader for the reformist group “We Continue the Change” in parliament.
His appointment comes in the wake of the resignation of the previous governing coalition led by the centre-right GERB party at the end of 2025. This resignation was precipitated by widespread public protests driven by concerns over corruption and perceived injustices. The dissolution of the coalition has set the stage for a new election—the eighth since April 2021. Analysts anticipate that this election may result in an increased representation of nationalist and pro-Russia groups.
The newly appointed caretaker premier will lead a cabinet of experts entrusted with the vital responsibility of ensuring fair and transparent elections while working to restore public confidence in institutions affected by ongoing political instability. In response to reports of vote-buying and allegations of manipulated election outcomes, which have historically been associated with the Bulgarian electoral process, Gyurov has called for civic responsibility and a strong stance against such violations. He has urged citizens to actively participate in the elections scheduled for 19 April, emphasising the importance of safeguarding their votes from being co-opted for improper purposes.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
