Zhelyazkov cabinet to remain in power If there is no candidate for caretaker PM

Even if a caretaker government is not formed - if all ten constitutionally designated possible caretaker prime ministers refuse the post - there will still be a government. This was stated on Bulgarian National Television (BNT) by Constitutional Court judge Orlin Kolev. In such a situation, Bulgaria would continue to have a government, and it would be the cabinet headed by Rosen Zhelyazkov, Kolev added. He is also a Doctor of Constitutional Law.

According to his interpretation of Article 111 of the Constitution, the “Zhelyazkov” cabinet remains in office until a new government is elected—regardless of whether that government is caretaker or regular. The text stipulates that “the Council of Ministers shall perform its functions until the election of a new Council of Ministers.”

Three of the ten possible candidates for caretaker prime minister have already declined the position. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov submitted his resignation following mass protests against the government and the 2026 budget.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov
English: R. Petkov