Ivan Demerdzhiev Faces Arrest Demands and Mismanagement Charges

Bulgaria’s political landscape is marked by escalating tensions as former caretaker Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev faces demands for the arrest of several municipal mayors and is formally charged with financial mismanagement. These developments come amid accusations of political maneuvering and attempts to influence upcoming elections.

Demerdzhiev Orders Arrests of Mayors

On March 18, 2026, Ivan Demerdzhiev, acting as a leader for the “Progressive Bulgaria” party in Kardzhali, reportedly ordered the Secretary General of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Georgi Kandev, to carry out mass arrests in the Kardzhali region. Fakti.bg reports that Demerdzhiev specifically requested the arrest of Erol Mumun, the mayor of Kardzhali; Nejmi Ali, the mayor of Djebel; and Aydzhan Ahmed, the mayor of Chernoochene. The stated goal, according to sources, is to instill fear in the region and bolster support for Rumen Radev.

Allegations of Political Motivation

The timing of these demands, just one day after Demerdzhiev’s registration as a list leader in Kardzhali, has fueled accusations of political motivation. Critics suggest that the arrests are intended to suppress voter turnout for the DPS (Movement for Rights and Freedoms) and secure Demerdzhiev’s entry into parliament, even with a limited electoral result. Demerdzhiev reportedly discussed these potential arrests during a meeting with local businessmen.

Charges of Financial Mismanagement

Separately, Ivan Demerdzhiev has been formally charged with causing financial damage to the state through mismanagement during his tenure as Acting Interior Minister. Novinite.com reports that the charges relate to an unlawful price increase for services related to the production of Bulgarian identity documents, resulting in losses of 1,482,218 leva (approximately $740,000 USD based on current exchange rates). The alleged unlawful price increase was approved on June 2, 2023, while Demerdzhiev was acting Minister of the Interior.

Background on Ivan Demerdzhiev

Ivan Demerdzhiev, born January 1, 1975, is a Bulgarian attorney and politician who has served in four caretaker governments during the 2021-2023 Bulgarian political crisis. Wikipedia notes that he was appointed as the leader of the list in Kardzhali by Rumen Radev. He has held positions as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Minister of Justice in various caretaker governments.

Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings

A bail of 10,000 leva has been imposed as a measure of restraint in the mismanagement case. The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office asserts that the price adjustment lacked proper methodology, legal review, and market assessment, leading to substantial financial harm to the state. Pre-trial proceedings began in January 2024. The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors committed to establishing the full facts of the case.