Bulgaria names Caretaker PM ahead of April vote
Gyurov, 50, will head an administration tasked with organising what Yotova said must be a free and fair vote, as the EU and NATO member prepares for its eighth election in five years. He is expected to propose a cabinet within seven days, after which the president will approve the lineup and formally set the election date, previously indicated as April 19.
The move follows months of political turmoil that culminated in nationwide protests late last year over corruption and alleged oligarchic influence, forcing the resignation of the coalition led by the centre-right GERB party. Repeated efforts to form a new government in the fragmented parliament have failed.
Gyurov, a former lawmaker and floor leader of the reformist “We Continue the Change” party, has served as deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank since 2023. Analysts say his appointment signals a focus on macroeconomic stability, particularly after Bulgaria adopted the euro at the start of the year.
Mario Bikarski, senior analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, said the choice of a figure unaffiliated with the main parties targeted by protests could strengthen the opposition ahead of the vote. However, he warned the election is unlikely to break the political deadlock, with polls pointing to a fragmented parliament and no clear governing majority.
