Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister for Fair Elections Resigns Amid Controversy
Sofia, Bulgaria – Stoil Tsitselkov resigned from his position as Deputy Prime Minister for Fair Elections just one day after taking office as part of the caretaker administration led by Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov. The resignation, announced on February 20, 2026, comes amid allegations regarding his past conduct.
Allegations and Resignation
Tsitselkov’s appointment had been met with opposition from various parliamentary groups who raised concerns about his past. These allegations included claims of prior marijuana leverage and a previous arrest for drink-driving [Sofia Globe]. Tsitselkov addressed these claims, stating he faced no charges or convictions and intends to pursue legal action against those responsible for disseminating what he termed as “illegal” personal data.
Speaking to reporters, Tsitselkov characterized the attacks against him as a broader effort to undermine the caretaker government’s primary mission: ensuring fair elections. He asserted that these attacks were a last-ditch attempt by those who fear losing under a transparent electoral process [Sofia Globe].
“I will not allow this type of politics to drag down the work of the Cabinet,” Tsitselkov stated. “Politics should be a field of ideas and actions, not a hunt for people, illegal use of archives.”
Government Response and Presidential Approval
Following a discussion with Prime Minister Gyurov, Tsitselkov decided to resign, believing his continued presence in the role was becoming a distraction from the focus on fair elections [Fakti.bg]. Gyurov reportedly expressed support for Tsitselkov’s decision.
President Iliana Yotova indicated she would promptly sign a decree relieving Tsitselkov of his duties, pending a formal proposal from Prime Minister Gyurov [Novinite].
Political Context and Upcoming Elections
The resignation occurs as Bulgaria prepares for parliamentary elections scheduled for April 19. Evgeni Kanev commented on the composition of the interim cabinet, expressing optimism due to the competence of the appointed individuals [Sofia Globe]. However, Emil Dimitrov questioned the necessity of the Deputy Prime Minister role, noting that election administration falls under the purview of the Central Election Commission.
Dimitrov also expressed skepticism about the caretaker government’s prospects, suggesting it lacks broad political support and may struggle to achieve consensus on the fairness of the upcoming elections [Sofia Globe].
Looking Ahead
The resignation of Stoil Tsitselkov marks a turbulent start for Bulgaria’s caretaker government. The focus now shifts to finding a suitable replacement and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process as the country approaches its parliamentary elections. The incident underscores the political tensions surrounding the upcoming vote and the challenges of ensuring a fair and transparent election environment.