Meeting Between Future Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister
The future acting Prime Minister, Goritsa Grancharova-Kozhareva, who is also the Deputy Chair of the Audit Office, recently had a discussion with the Interior Minister, Kalin Stoyanov. This information was reported by BNR, citing sources from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Insights from the Meeting
Following their meeting, Kalin Stoyanov remarked that the conversation was professional; however, he sensed that Grancharova-Kozhareva was under significant pressure. He expressed concerns regarding the intense political pressure she faces, particularly regarding his potential exclusion from the future cabinet. “It’s clear where the pressure is coming from. It’s already been evident in recent days, but I firmly believe that I am a person who has proven that I will not allow the Ministry of Internal Affairs to be politicized in any way,” Stoyanov emphasized.
Potential Changes in the Cabinet
The acting Interior Minister shared his impression that discussions regarding his position will also involve other candidates. “I have a feeling that there are others who might be approached for discussions about the Interior Minister role. This instinct comes from the fact that I’ve been working exclusively in the Ministry of Internal Affairs for 21 years, primarily in operational roles,” he explained.
Political Discussions and Pressure
During consultations on Thursday with President Rumen Radev and members of parliament from the “We Continue the Change” and “Democratic Bulgaria” groups, there were repeated calls for the next Prime Minister to replace Kalin Stoyanov due to concerns over his impartiality in organizing elections. Meanwhile, on August 10, the Federation of Employees in the Ministry of Internal Affairs urged Grancharova-Kozhareva to take a rational approach in selecting their next leader.
Concerns Raised by the Federation
The federation highlighted that recent insinuations suggesting the elections on June 9 were manipulated amount to indirect accusations and insults to the 50,000 employees in the ministry. In the coming days, Grancharova-Kozhareva is expected to meet with other current ministers.
Future Cabinet Composition
After being designated by President Rumen Radev as a candidate for acting Prime Minister, she stated that she would promptly begin discussions regarding the composition of the upcoming cabinet. Besides Kalin Stoyanov, other members of the Dimitr Glavchev cabinet have expressed their willingness to continue serving if invited. Defense Minister Atanas Zapyarov announced his readiness to assist the nominated Prime Minister, while Culture Minister Nayden Todorov confirmed that he would accept an invitation to join the next interim government.
Transportation Minister’s Stance
Transportation Minister Georgi Gvozdeikov indicated that if he received an invitation from the Prime Minister candidate, he would first listen to their goals and priorities before making a decision.
Upcoming Changes in Foreign Affairs
It is certain that Grancharova-Kozhareva will need to appoint a new Foreign Minister, as Prime Minister Dimitr Glavchev, who currently holds two positions, has definitively stated he will not continue as Bulgaria’s chief diplomat. Grancharova-Kozhareva has until August 19 to finalize the composition of the interim cabinet.
Return of the Ministerial List to the President
By that time, she is expected to submit to President Rumen Radev the folder containing the names of the appointed ministers.
