Bulgaria’s caretaker Prime Minister pledges fair elections

The caretaker government assumes responsibility for the preparation and conduct of fair elections and will work impartially in the interests of Bulgarian citizens, caretaker Prime Minister Andrei Gyurov said in the National Assembly on February 19.

Gyurov was speaking after his interim administration took the oath of office, which followed President Iliyana Yotova signing decrees appointing it and naming April 19 as the date of Bulgaria’s early parliamentary elections.

“Today I am speaking not only to this hall, I am speaking to every Bulgarian citizen who expects responsibility from the state, not promises,” said Gyurov, an economist who stepped down from his post as deputy governor of central Bulgarian National Bank to head the caretaker government.

“I declare that I personally and the caretaker government take responsibility to prepare and hold fair elections,” he said.

He said that at a time of internal tension in the country, the caretaker ministers cannot choose their tasks.

“We take on the challenge of governing the country until a regular cabinet is formed. Without hysteria, with reason and firmly grounded in reality.

“We do not promise miracles, reforms in two months, historical turning points, but we have the will to govern honestly and responsibly in the interests of the Bulgarian citizens and the state,” Gyurov said.

He said that the caretaker government will support efforts for lasting and just peace in Ukraine and everywhere where conflicts take human lives.

“I declare that we will work with our allies in the European Council, in Nato and the UN,” he said.

“Bulgaria has a place among democratic countries and will defend it with predictability, economic stability and the protection of the democratic order.

“I firmly believe that democracy is not a slogan, it is the only working response to crises, and elections are the only legitimate way out,” he said.

Gyurov urged Bulgarians to vote on April 19.

“Do not give up your right to choose and do not allow your vote to be turned into an instrument of someone’s interest.”

Gyurov set out the priorities of the caretaker government.

“In addition to the fairness of the elections, we will work on key government tasks.

“First – ensuring financial stability in the context of a prolonged budget. Implementing the measures from the plan for adopting the euro.

“We will prepare the new extended Budget and the basis for the 2026 Budget,” he said.

“Second – fair distribution of funds for municipalities with an effect for all citizens, not for some and campaigns.

“Third – rhythmic payment of pensions, social payments and benefits for the most vulnerable groups – the socially disadvantaged and the unemployed.

“Fourth – restoring legality in the management of the prosecutor’s office and the normal functioning of justice,” Gyurov said.