Sofia: Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister Stoil Tzitzelkov resigned on Friday, just a day after a caretaker Cabinet took office in preparation for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for April.

According to Anadolu Agency, Tzitzelkov faced criticism due to allegations of past arrests for drug use and detention for driving under the influence of alcohol, which prompted his decision to step down.

Tzitzelkov acknowledged the controversy surrounding his past during a news conference, stating, “It seems that at this point, my personality is rather a liability for our cause, which is fair elections. I will tender my resignation to the Prime Minister and to President Iliana Iotova so that, above all, the media could focus on the forthcoming elections rather than on me personally.” His resignation was accepted by Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, with President Iliana Iotova signing a decree to officially relieve him of his duties.

The caretaker Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Andrey Gurov, was sworn in before the National Assembly on Thursday. This temporary government was established following the resignation of the previous Prime Minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov, on December 11, 2025, after a period of public protests. The president had initiated a constitutional procedure to form a new government, but after three unsuccessful attempts, a caretaker Cabinet was appointed, and early elections were scheduled.

In a related development, former President Rumen Radev resigned last month, passing his responsibilities to Vice President Iliana Iotova. The current political situation underscores the complexities Bulgaria faces in forming a stable government ahead of the elections.