site.btaDSB Leader Atanassov Names Central Bank Deputy Governor Gurov as Only Viable Candidate for Caretaker PM, Urges Anti-Corruption Measures

Atanas Atanassov, chairman of the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) party, which is part of the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) coalition, told Bulgarian National TV here on Saturday that according to the Constitution, the President must consult with parliamentary parties on the formation of a caretaker government. Atanassov identified Bulgarian National Bank Deputy Governor Andrey Gurov as the only suitable candidate for caretaker prime minister who could ensure free and transparent elections. Gurov is among the pool of potential caretaker prime ministers that the President can choose from.

Addressing speculation about President Rumen Radev’s possible political involvement, Atanasov said the President should clarify his intentions, warning that if Radev enters the elections, it could split the anti-corruption consensus along pro-Russian lines.

Atanassov stressed that the main priority of the new government should be tackling corruption, the key issue of the outgoing administration. He suggested that a determined new prime minister should replace the current head of the State Agency for National Security (SANS), citing responsibility for 500,000 invalid ballots in local elections. Atanassov also called for a strong interior minister ensure fair elections by reshuffling regional police directors, many of whom were appointed under former minister Kalin Stoyanov, who is currently an MRF - New Beginning MP. 

He further highlighted the need to dismantle corrupt schemes in energy, agriculture, and municipal aid programs. Regarding the potential closure of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Atanasov clarified that his proposal from July had different motivations than GERB’s current push, emphasizing the importance of transparency and proper handling of all pending cases.