site.btaUPDATED President Iotova Signs Decree Relieving Caretaker Deputy PM Tzitzelkov

Bulgaria's President Iliana Iotova Friday signed a decree relieving Stoil Tzitzelkov of his duties as caretaker Deputy Prime Minister for Fair Elections under Article 99(5) of the Constitution, the head of State’s Press Secretariat said. 

Speaking at a news conference at the Council of Ministers earlier in the day, Tzitzelkov announced that he would resign. The Government Information Service later said his resignation had been accepted by caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov.

Commenting on allegations of having been arrested for marijuana use and driving under the influence of alcohol, Tzitzelkov wrote on Facebook Friday morning that there were no charges, no convictions, and no restrictions in effect against him at that time. "For two days now, there has been a massive attack against me. It is not personal. I am simply a convenient target. This is an attack against the Cabinet and its main mission – fair elections," he added. 

Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said: "After a conversation with Stoil, we decided that this is the right decision so as to defend the people's vote and the trust in the government's efforts to create conditions for holding fair elections. I appreciate his readiness and responsibility." "We will carry on, we will be working for fair elections, and I will inform you shortly of the government's decisions to this effect," he added.

In a televised interview on Friday morning, President Iotova said that she would immediately sign a decree for the resignation of Tzitzelkov if such a proposal came to her desk.