Former Interior Minister Demerdzhiev Alleges Election Interference, Backs Radev

Recent allegations of election interference have surfaced in Bulgaria, centering around former acting Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev and his relationship with President Rumen Radev. Demerdzhiev has publicly supported Radev and criticized recent foreign policy decisions, while also expressing concerns about the fairness of past and future elections.

Allegations of Nighttime Meeting at Interior Ministry

Reports indicate that Ivan Demerdzhiev, a candidate-deputy for “Progressive Bulgaria,” visited the Main Directorate “National Police” (GDNP) building late at night. According to sources cited by Bulgarian National Radio, Demerdzhiev held a meeting with leaders within the Ministry of the Interior. These sources allege that Demerdzhiev issued instructions regarding the handling of individuals before the elections.

The reports claim that Demerdzhiev spent nearly an hour at the GDNP and evaded questions from journalists upon leaving. This visit has raised concerns about potential undue influence over the Ministry of Internal Affairs by Radev and Koprinkov, with Demerdzhiev allegedly acting as a conduit for instructions.

Concerns Over Election Fairness

Demerdzhiev previously stated that the October 27 elections experienced problems in both the submission and counting of votes, noting a high number of signals regarding vote buying. He also pointed to evidence of ballot tampering and discrepancies between machine results and reported outcomes, as reported by Bulgarian National Radio. He believes President Radev’s position on the fairness of the elections should not be ignored.

Demerdzhiev’s Political Stance and Potential Return to Ministry

In January 2026, Demerdzhiev indicated his willingness to again serve as Interior Minister in a future caretaker cabinet, stating he would dismiss all regional police directors if appointed. Novinite reports that Demerdzhiev has consistently worked alongside President Radev to address issues of state capture and improve Bulgaria’s governance.

Demerdzhiev has also criticized the resigned Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s decision to participate in the Peace Council initiative organized by US President Donald Trump, arguing that a caretaker government lacks the legitimacy to make such decisions without proper debate.

Conflicting Statements and Allegations

Demerdzhiev has publicly denied any intention to apply the Ministry of Internal Affairs for political purposes, stating that “law and justice are above all.” However, his recent visit to the GDNP appears to contradict these statements. Kalin Stoyanov, an MP from “DPS-Modern Beginning,” has suggested that the intention behind such actions is to intimidate voters.

Key Takeaways

• Ivan Demerdzhiev, a candidate-deputy and former Interior Minister, visited the GDNP late at night, raising concerns about potential election interference.
• Demerdzhiev has publicly supported President Rumen Radev and criticized recent foreign policy decisions.
• Allegations of vote buying and ballot tampering have been made regarding previous elections.
• Demerdzhiev has expressed willingness to return as Interior Minister and implement significant personnel changes.