Bulgarian Prosecutor General Faces Scrutiny Over Election Interference Concerns
Sofia, Bulgaria – Nadezhda Yordanova, a co-leader of the Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) parliamentary group, has publicly accused Acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov of creating an environment that undermines the fairness of upcoming elections. Yordanova alleges Sarafov is failing to uphold the law and is acting with political motivation, specifically citing concerns about his interactions with figures linked to the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF).
Allegations of Political Bias
Yordanova stated that Sarafov’s actions raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. She specifically criticized the lack of preventative measures by the prosecution service, arguing it creates a lack of accountability and justice. “Fair elections are impossible with Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov’s prosecution service,” Yordanova said in a television interview on Thursday. She further asserted that CC-DB is focused on ensuring elections are free from the influence of MRF Chair Delyan Peevski.
Calls for Electoral Reform
The CC-DB is advocating for a return to a 100% machine voting system, mirroring the model used in 2021. Yordanova noted that amendments to the Electoral Code were proposed over a year ago, with several bills passing in January 2025, but lamented the lack of broader societal debate on election rules.
Sarafov’s Tenure and Legal Challenges
Borislav Sarafov was appointed as acting Prosecutor General in June 2023 by the Prosecutors Chamber of the Supreme Judicial Council. His continued tenure has been subject to legal challenges following amendments to the Judiciary Act in January 2025, which limited “acting” terms in top judicial posts to six months. In October 2025, the Supreme Court of Cassation issued rulings questioning the legitimacy of an acting Prosecutor General under the new legal framework.
No Governing Agreement with GERB
Despite discussions, Nadezhda Yordanova has denied any agreement with the GERB-SDS party regarding the formation of a governing majority. She refuted claims that Atanas Atanasov of PP-DB would be elected as President of the National Assembly, and Boyko Borissov of GERB as Prime Minister, calling such reports “speculation.”
Negotiations with GERB Underway
Even as denying a formal agreement, Yordanova confirmed that PP-DB is engaging in negotiations with GERB. She emphasized that the goals of both PP-DB and Democratic Bulgaria are aligned: to establish a pro-European, anti-corruption government. However, she reiterated the importance of upholding the “cordon sanitaire” against Delyan Peevski and addressing concerns about Borislav Sarafov’s position as Prosecutor General.
Key Takeaways
- Nadezhda Yordanova accuses Acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov of undermining election fairness.
- CC-DB is pushing for a return to 100% machine voting.
- Sarafov’s legitimacy as acting Prosecutor General is being legally challenged.
- PP-DB is in negotiations with GERB, but insists on anti-corruption measures and addressing concerns about key political figures.