Former Prime Minister Kiril Petkov appeared today, January 27, 2026, at the Sofia City Court in the case for official crimes committed during his term. In front of journalists, he commented on the current political situation in "We Continue the Change" and categorically denied the information about "purge" in the arrangement of the lists for the upcoming early elections.
Petkov is accused of exceeding his powers on March 17, 2022, in his capacity as prime minister, by ordering senior officials in the General Directorate of "National Police" (GDNP) to carry out procedural actions contrary to the law.
"I have submitted my resignation, which is a responsibility – politicians in Bulgaria must take such a responsibility", said Kiril Petkov outside the courthouse, quoted by BTA. He stressed that he remains part of the party's National Council and will actively help in the election campaign, although he is no longer among the leading figures on the lists.
According to Petkov, attempts are currently being made to create false scandals around the formation. "They are trying to smear it. It should be clear that this is an attempt at a smear war in some of the media", he added. The former prime minister expressed full support for Lena Borislavova and stated that she would continue her activities in the party.
Despite his optimistic tone, the case in the Sofia City Court calls into question the political future of the co-founder of "We Continue the Change". The prosecutor's office claims that his orders to the investigating police officers have led to the deterioration of the prestige of the executive branch.
Kiril Petkov announced that his "narrow specialty" is competitiveness and plans to go into business again. Within the framework of the campaign, he intends to focus on monitoring the vote in risky sections in order to prevent "vote theft". Regarding possible projects of President Rumen Radev, Petkov was laconic, stating that the party will not back down from the country's European orientation and the fight against corruption.