site.btaInterior Ministry Marks 146 Years Since Founding

The Ministry of Interior marked 146 years since its establishment with a blessing of the flags and the laying of wreaths before the Monument to the Unknown Soldier on Saturday. 

Minister of Interior Daniel Mitov congratulated the assembled honour guard on the professional holiday of the Ministry, July 5, and extended his wishes to ministry staff.

Mitov said in his address that the Ministry's greatest weapon is not the baton or the pistol, but the memory accumulated by generations of its staff, who not only uphold the law but also build traditions. He pointed out that today, in the age of modern technology and digital files, it is important to remember that, at the heart of everything, stands human character. Mitov added that the characters in the Ministry are forged from strong alloy, as they are built from memory.

“Alongside the historic step of adopting the euro, we are also faced with the challenge of protecting the most vulnerable and trusting groups in society from all forms of fraud during this period of transition. We must, and will be, uncompromising against abuses of trust and all kinds of abuse,” Mitov said.

Patriarch Daniil, who participated in the service at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, warmly greeted the staff of the Ministry. “May God be with all of you in every trial that the performance of your professional duty inevitably brings with it, and generously strengthen you with His divine grace, which we all need. May His peace, fatherly love, and great mercy be with you all. Happy and blessed professional holiday,” Daniil wished.

The ceremony was attended by Chair of the National Assembly Nataliya Kiselova, Vice President Iliana Iotova, Deputy Chair of the National Assembly Nikoleta Kuzmanova, cabinet ministers, MPs, as well as former interior ministers and members of the diplomatic corps.

The holiday has been marked by decision of the Council of Ministers since February 28, 1992. In 1879, Decree No. 1 was issued by Prince Alexander I, creating the Ministry of Interior pursuant to Article 161 of the Tarnovo Constitution. The same decree appointed the first government of the Principality of Bulgaria, naming Todor Burmov as prime minister, minister of interior, and head of the Ministry of Public Education.