Bulgaria’s Interior Minister Announces Widespread Directorate Changes Ahead of Elections

Sofia, Bulgaria – Acting Minister of Interior Emil Dechev announced on Sunday, March 1, 2026, that 23 out of 28 heads of regional directorates within the Ministry of the Interior have been replaced. The remaining five regional directors will remain in their positions for the time being, according to Dechev as reported by Fakti.bg and the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA).

Rationale for the Changes

Dechev explained the sweeping changes are intended to ensure fair and democratic elections. He emphasized the need for public trust in the leadership of the regional directorates, citing concerns about irregularities in previous elections. “This is being done in order to make fair elections, we must have confidence in the directors of the regional directorates,” Dechev stated to Nova Television.

He acknowledged that not all previous directors were at fault, but expressed the necessity of ensuring accountability. Dechev also indicated that changes are forthcoming in the management of regional police departments.

Investigation and Accountability

The minister stated that investigations will extend to police stations to identify and address any potential violations. He highlighted concerns about voting patterns, noting instances where the same polling stations showed overwhelmingly support for opposing parties in consecutive elections, which he deemed “not normal.” BTA reported that Dechev stressed that even the newly appointed directors are not immune to replacement if evidence of wrongdoing emerges.

“Petrohan” Case and Transparency

Dechev addressed the “Petrohan” case and the criticism he has faced since taking office. He stated he anticipated attacks and confirmed that investigators are continuing their work without undue pressure. He asserted his right to be informed about the progress of investigations within his department, emphasizing that this is not an attempt to interfere with the process but to fulfill his political responsibility. According to BTA, Dechev described the situation as a matter of transparency and accountability.

Security Concerns

Regarding broader security threats, Dechev stated there is currently no direct military threat to Bulgaria related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He noted that the crisis headquarters is actively monitoring the situation and providing support to Bulgarian citizens in the region.

Background on Emil Dechev

Emil Dechev, a lawyer and former deputy minister of Justice, was appointed as Minister of Interior in the caretaker government led by Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov on February 18, 2026. As reported by BNT News, Dechev has experience in anti-corruption and judicial reforms. He was recommended for the position by an unnamed third party.