Dimitar Glavchev

President of Bulgarian National Audit Office - Willing to serve as caretaker prime minister; previously held role in 2024

Bulgaria has had five presidents in its 33-year post-communist history. None resigned before completing their term—until Rumen Radev stepped down on January 23, 2026. His departure elevated Vice President Iliana Iotova to become Bulgaria's first female head of state, a historic milestone overshadowed by the deepest political instability the country has faced since the fall of communism.

Updated Feb 6

Acting Prime Minister of Bulgaria - Led caretaker government through euro adoption

Bulgaria became the 21st member of the eurozone on January 1, 2026, replacing the lev at a fixed rate of 1.95583 per euro. ECB President Christine Lagarde welcomed Governor Dimitar Radev to the Governing Council table in Frankfurt, calling the euro "a powerful symbol" of European unity amid global geopolitical uncertainty. The ECB illuminated its headquarters with "Welcome, Bulgaria" in all eurozone languages. The adoption happened despite 49% public opposition and President Rumen Radev's New Year's address lamenting that "those in power chose not to listen to the citizens" about holding a referendum. Euro banknotes and coins began circulating at midnight, ending nearly three decades under a currency board.

Updated Jan 1