Bulgaria’s Interior Ministry Undergoes Leadership Shakeup

Sofia, Bulgaria – A sweeping overhaul of leadership within Bulgaria’s Ministry of the Interior is underway, with acting Minister Emil Dechev replacing 23 out of 28 regional directorate heads, as announced on Sunday. The remaining four directors will remain in their positions for the time being, with one additional police chief subsequently replaced.

New Appointments Announced

Sofia

Senior Commissioner Vladimir Ivanov has been appointed as the new director of the Sofia Directorate for the Prevention and Combatting of Organized Crime (SDVR). The presentation was made by Deputy Minister Kaloyan Miltenov, according to a press release from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Fakti.bg reports that Ivanov replaces Tihomir Tsenov. Miltenov expressed confidence in Ivanov’s management experience and professional competence, emphasizing the require for fair, transparent and lawful elections.

Kyustendil

Senior Commissioner Raicho Omerski has been temporarily reappointed as the Director of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kyustendil. The appointment was made by order of Minister Emil Dechev and presented by acting deputy general secretary Georgi Kandev. Fakti.bg details that Omerski was born in 1972 and has been with the Ministry of Internal Affairs since 1992, holding various positions throughout his career.

Plovdiv

Vasil Kostadinov has been named the new director of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Plovdiv. Deputy Minister Kaloyan Kaloyanov presented Kostadinov to the staff. Fakti.bg notes that Kostadinov previously served as deputy director of the Plovdiv police and was relieved of that position in August 2023 following an incident involving a murder in the village of Tsalapitsa.

Pernik

Senior Commissioner Pavel Mlekanov is the new director of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Pernik, appointed by order of Minister Emil Dechev. He was presented to the staff by Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Chief Commissioner Georgi Kandev. Fakti.bg reports that Mlekanov has been with the Ministry since 1999 and previously served as director of the Pernik directorate from April 2022 to October 2023.

Razgrad

Peter Vanev has been temporarily reassigned to lead the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Razgrad by order of Minister Emil Dechev. Fakti.bg highlights Vanev’s extensive experience, including international training at Europol and in France, and his fluency in multiple languages.

Ruse

Senior Commissioner Diyan Minkov has been temporarily reappointed as the Director of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Ruse, also by order of Minister Dechev. Deputy Minister Kaloyan Kaloyanov presented Minkov to the team. Fakti.bg states that Minkov has over 20 years of experience in the Ministry and previously served as director of the Razgrad directorate.

Targovishte

Marian Mikhailov has been appointed as the director of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Targovishte by order of Minister Emil Dechev. Deputy Minister Kaloyan Miltenov presented Mikhailov to the leadership team. Fakti.bg notes that Mikhailov has a long history with the Ministry, having held various positions, including deputy director of the Targovishte directorate.

Burgas

Nikolay Nenkov has been temporarily reassigned as the director of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Burgas by order of Minister Dechev. The presentation was made by Deputy Minister Kaloyan Kaloyanov. Fakti.bg reports that Nenkov has a background in criminal police and previously served as director of the Targovishte directorate.

These changes arrive as Bulgaria prepares for upcoming elections, with the caretaker government aiming to ensure a fair and transparent process.