President Iliana Yotova confirmed that she will sign the decree to dismiss the country’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Ivan Yordanov, following a political dispute involving private flights used by Delyan Peevski. The confirmation arrives as the presidency also manages separate high-profile developments, including a resignation notice from Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov and preparations for the return of Tsar Samuil’s remains.
Ambassador’s Dismissal and Flight Financing Dispute
Ambassador Ivan Yordanov was recalled to Bulgaria after Rumen Радев requested his removal amid a political controversy linking a company connected to the diplomat’s father to the financing of private flights for Delyan Peevski. Yotova confirmed, “Yes, I will sign the decree for the release of our ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. This coordination procedure went through me.”
Ambassador Yordanov rejected claims that he or his family participated in financing Peevski’s travel, stating that his father holds a share in a company but that ownership does not equate to involvement in flight funding. Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiyev stated the previous week that the company linked to Yordanov purchased a 36 million lev aircraft utilized by Peevski. Iliyan Yordanov, the ambassador’s father, issued a statement denying any business ties or meetings with Peevski, maintaining that his company, Spectrum Air EAD, never engaged in public procurement procedures or paid for Peevski’s flights.
Resignation of Defense Chief Admiral Emil Eftimov
Alongside the ambassadorial recall, Yotova addressed the departure of Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov after the admiral submitted a formal resignation report from military service. “Yesterday I spoke with Adm. Eftimov. He warned me that there would be such a report,” Yotova said. The president stated she will comment further on the decision only after reviewing the report and speaking with the admiral again.
Repatriation of Tsar Samuil’s Remains
The presidency also prepared for the historical return of Tsar Samuil’s remains to Bulgaria. Yotova described the event as a significant milestone for the country and a diplomatic success, noting that the ruler’s remains are returning to the homeland he defended. Rumen Radev invited citizens to gather on Oct. 3 at 12:30 p.m. at Battenberg Square in front of the Princely Palace to welcome the remains of Tsar Samuil, who for four decades led a titanic battle for the preservation of the Bulgarian state.
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