Bulgaria’s Interior Minister Dechev Announces Sweeping Leadership Changes
Sofia, Bulgaria – Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Emil Dechev has initiated a significant overhaul of leadership within key Bulgarian law enforcement and security agencies, according to reports from Fakti.bg and BTA. The changes impact the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption, the Gendarmerie and the National Police, as well as numerous regional directorates.
Key Leadership Changes
Dechev dismissed the directors of the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption, the Gendarmerie, and the National Police. The reshuffle extends to regional offices across the country. Only the directors in Sofia, Shumen, Silistra, Haskovo and Sliven remained in their positions.
Specifically, Zahari Vaskov (General Directorate of Anti-Corruption), Nikolay Nikolov (Gendarmerie), and Boyan Raev (National Police) have been replaced. Georgi Hadjiev, the head of the Gendarmerie’s special operations unit, has also been removed from his post. Martin Zlatkov will replace Boyan Raev as head of the anti-mafia chief.
Context and Rationale
The changes come after a decision by the Constitutional Court partially annulled recent parliamentary elections due to reported violations. Fakti.bg reports that Dechev explained the reshuffles were a direct response to these findings, aiming to address concerns about electoral integrity.
The move also follows a period of scrutiny regarding investigations into high-profile cases, including the investigation into the six corpses found in Petrohan and Okolchitsa, which the National Police participated in.
Protest and Calls for Accountability
The leadership changes have prompted reaction from citizens and families affected by past cases. Atanaska Bakalova, the mother of Dimitar Malinov, who was murdered in Tsalapitsa in July 2023, has publicly called for Minister Dechev to explain the reinstatement of Vasil Kostadinov as head of the Plovdiv police, despite previous violations. Fakti.bg reports Bakalova declined an invitation to meet with Dechev, instead requesting he attend a protest she organized on Thursday.
Bakalova and her relatives believe others were involved in her son’s murder beyond the convicted Rangel Bizyurev, specifically naming Valentin and Borislav Dinkovi. She expressed concern over their potential early release from prison.
Background on Emil Dechev
Emil Dechev was appointed as caretaker Minister of Interior in February 2026 as part of the cabinet led by Andrey Gyurov. BTA reports that Dechev has a long career in the judiciary, beginning as an investigator in 1996 and later serving as a judge. He also served as Deputy Minister of Justice during the Kiril Petkov government in 2022. Novinite highlights his reputation for independence and his role in organizing the April 19 elections and combating vote-buying.