site.btaPresident Meets National Audit Office Leadership, All Three Declare Readiness to Serve as Caretaker PM

President Iliana Iotova met with Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO) President Dimitar Glavchev and Vice Presidents Margarita Nikolova and Silvia Kadreva at the President's administration in Sofia on Friday as part of the constitutional procedure for appointing a caretaker government. All three declared readiness to serve as caretaker prime minister if selected by the head of State. 

Three separate closed-to-the-media meetings were scheduled.

Following his meeting, BNAO President Dimitar Glavchev said he was inclined to accept the post if asked. He noted that he has previously served twice as caretaker prime minister and stressed that fulfilling constitutional duties is a responsibility that cannot be declined. Glavchev added that the President has the final say and that they did not discuss the composition of a future cabinet during the talks. He said he would be prepared to form a full government if chosen.

Glavchev also commented on the organization of elections, stressing that section electoral commissions are appointed by local authorities and political participants, and that caretaker governments have no direct involvement in their work. He said his previous caretaker cabinets had made maximum efforts to ensure fair elections and that the executive’s role is mainly logistical. 

BNAO Vice President Margarita Nikolova said she was ready to take on the role and described her conversation with the President as meaningful and in-depth. She expressed confidence in her ability to form an effective team quickly, citing her long experience in public administration. Nikolova said her professional background would help her manage the challenges related to organizing elections and government work. 

BNAO Vice President Silvia Kadreva also confirmed her readiness to serve, saying she does not avoid responsibility. She noted that there are no legal obstacles preventing her from assuming the post but described the formation of a cabinet within a short timeframe as a difficult task. Kadreva said she would rely on her experience in transparency and prevention to ensure fair electoral processes. 

With the statements made on Friday, the three Audit Office officials joined Bulgarian National Bank Deputy Governor Andrey Gurov and Deputy Ombudsman Maria Filipova, who have earlier expressed willingness to serve as caretaker prime minister. The President is expected to make a decision within the framework of the constitutional procedure. 

Under Article 99, paragraph 5 of the Constitution, after failure to reach agreement on forming a government, the President, following consultations with the parliamentary groups and on the proposal of the candidate for caretaker prime minister, appoints a caretaker government and schedules new parliamentary elections within two months.