Established lawyers, architects, teachers, doctors, experts, public figures and athletes will be the leaders of the lists of “Progressive Bulgaria“. Rumen Radev's coalition will register its lists for participation in the parliamentary elections on April 19 today.
Here are the leaders of the lists in the multi-mandate districts:
Rositsa Karamfilova
Rositsa Karamfilova is 49 years old and is a candidate for MP from the 1st MIR Blagoevgrad.
She is an expert with over 20 years of experience in environmental management. In the period 2022 – 2023 held the position of Minister of Environment and Water in two consecutive caretaker governments. From 2023 to 2025, he was the Advisor on Ecology to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria. He is currently the Executive Director of the Executive Environment Agency and a member of the Management Board of the European Environment Agency (EEA).
She was the Head of the “International Programs and Projects” and “Strategies and Programs” departments. She has extensive experience in managing national and international projects in the field of ecology.
In 2001, she graduated as a Master of Engineering in “Ecology and Environmental Protection” at the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy (HTMU) – Sofia. In 2007, she defended her educational and scientific degree “Doctor” in the same scientific field with a dissertation on a topic related to the innovative treatment of waste bioproducts. She also completed a master's course in “Industrial Management“.
She is actively teaching at the Technical University of Bulgaria - Sofia (2011-2012 and 2023-2025) and is the author of numerous scientific publications in specialized publications.
She speaks English and Russian.
Married, with one child.
Gen. Rumen Radev
Rumen Radev is 62 years old and is a candidate for Member of Parliament from the 2nd constituency of Burgas and the 25th constituency of Sofia.
From 2017 to 2026, Rumen Radev is the President of the Republic of Bulgaria. On January 19, 2026, in an address to the Bulgarian people, he announced that he was resigning as head of state. By decision of the Constitutional Court, his powers were terminated as of January 23, 2026.
He graduated as the top of his class from the Air Force School in Dolna Mitropolia. In 1992, he graduated from the squadron officer course “Maxwell“, USA, and from 1994 to 1996, he was a student in the command and staff profile of the Military Academy “G. S. Rakovski“. He graduated as the top of his class.
In 2003, he graduated with honors from the Air Force College “Maxwell“ in the USA with a master's degree in “Strategic Studies“. His name is inscribed on the Air Force College Walk of Fame. He has over 1,400 flight hours in his career as a fighter pilot. Demo pilot of the MiG-29. He reached the rank of Major General, and in the period 2014 – In 2016, he was the commander of the Air Force of the Republic of Bulgaria.
He speaks English, Russian and German.
In 2000, he became a doctor of military sciences in the field of improving the tactical training of the air force and simulating air combat.
Married, with three children
Dr. Ilin Dimitrov
Ilin Dimitrov is 42 years old and is a candidate for Member of Parliament from the 3rd MIR Varna.
He is an expert with extensive experience in the field of tourism, academic activity and state administration. In the period 2022 - 2023, he held the position of Minister of Tourism in the two caretaker governments of the country. Previously, he was a Member of Parliament in the 47th National Assembly, where he was elected Chairman of the Tourism Committee. In his professional biography, he also holds the position of Chairman of the Varna Tourist Chamber (2020 - 2022), actively working for the development of the regional economy.
He is currently a lecturer at the University of Economics - Varna, combining his expertise in business and management with research activities for the implementation of sustainable economic policies.
He has a rich educational background, including diplomas from the College of Tourism - Varna, the Higher School of Management and the Academy of Economics “D. A. Tsenov“ - Svishtov in the specialties “Marketing and Management“, “Business Administration“ and a master's degree in “Firm Management and Controlling“. He is defending his educational and scientific degree “Doctor“ in Tourism at the University of Economics – Varna.
He speaks English, German and Russian.
Married, with two children.
Prof. Dr. Yanka Tyankova
Yanka Tyankova is 61 years old and is a candidate for Member of Parliament from the 4th MIR of Veliko Tarnovo.
She is an established lawyer and university lecturer with extensive experience in legal science and practice. She is currently a professor and head of the Department of "Private Law" at the Faculty of Law of the Veliko Tarnovo University "St. Cyril and Methodius", and also teaches at the Faculty of Law of the Bulgarian University "Chernorizets Hrabar". In her professional biography, she combines academic activity with active legal practice as a lawyer from the Veliko Tarnovo Bar Association, mediator and arbitrator.
She graduated from higher education in "Law" with a master's degree. She is a proven expert in the field of commercial law and insolvency, having defended her educational and scientific degree "Doctor".
Prof. Tyankova is the author of three monographs in the field of commercial bankruptcy and stabilization proceedings, as well as numerous scientific studies and reports published in prestigious publications in our country and abroad. She is a member of the editorial boards of scientific forums and actively participates in scientific juries.
She speaks Russian and English.
Married, with one child.
Major Eng. Tsvetomir Tsvetanov
Tsvetomir Tsvetanov is 37 years old and is a candidate for People's Representative from the 5th MIR Vidin.
He is an officer of the Bulgarian Army with established leadership experience and proven command skills. His professional path passes through key military positions, including platoon commander, deputy company commander and company commander. He currently holds the responsible position of Head of the Military District – Vidin, where he is responsible for the coordination and management of the structures of the Ministry of Defense in the region.
He graduated from the National Military University “Vasil Levski“ in Veliko Tarnovo. He graduated as an engineer with specializations in the areas of “Tank-Technical and Automobile Troops“ and “Automobile Equipment and Transport Logistics“. He holds the military rank of “Major“.
He speaks English.
arch. Ivan Shishkov
Ivan Shishkov is 62 years old and is the leader of the list for members of parliament in the 6th MIR Vratsa.
He is an established expert with extensive experience in architecture, urban planning and public administration. In the period 2022 – In 2023, he took up the post of Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, having previously served as Deputy Minister and Advisor in the same ministry. His professional biography includes 24 years of experience as Chief Architect of Dragoman Municipality, as well as of the "Bankya" and "Triaditsa" districts of Sofia Municipality.
He currently works as a freelance architect-designer, applying his accumulated expertise in the implementation of significant infrastructure and development projects.
He completed his higher education at VIAS (today UACEG) in Sofia, where he obtained a Master's degree in "Architecture". He completed his secondary education at the Technical School of Construction “Hristo Botev“, Sofia, with a degree in “Construction Technician“.
Married.
Nikolay Kosev
Nikolay Kosev is 40 years old and is a candidate for Member of Parliament from the 7th MIR Gabrovo.
He is an entrepreneur with over 20 years of professional experience in business process management. As the owner and manager of a company in the field of services with national coverage, he has proven skills in building sustainable commercial structures and teams. Kosev is also a pioneer in social entrepreneurship, having founded the first registered social enterprise in the city of Gabrovo.
In parallel with his business activities, he is an active public figure, engaged in organizing and supporting numerous social causes and charitable initiatives in the region and the country.
He completed his higher education at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in Sofia, where he obtained a master's degree in “International Economic Relations“. He also holds a bachelor's degree in “Philosophy“ from the Veliko Tarnovo University “St. St. Cyril and Methodius“.
He speaks English.
Rumen Muntyanov
Rumen Muntyanov is 40 years old and is a candidate for Member of Parliament from the 8th MIR Dobrich.
He has over 15 years of experience in the public sector and local government. His professional path in public administration began as a public relations expert in the Municipality of General Toshevo - a position he held for 9 years. In the period 2019 - 2023 he was Deputy Mayor for “Humanitarian Activities“ in the same municipality, responsible for key departments in the social and cultural spheres. He is currently the Secretary of the Municipality of Dobrichka.
An active public figure, he is the Chairman of the Municipal Structure of the Bulgarian Red Cross in the Municipality of Dobrichka and participates in the organization of numerous cultural, historical and charitable initiatives.
He completed his higher education at the Veliko Tarnovo University “St. Cyril and Methodius“, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in “Political Science“ and a master's degree in “Marketing“.
He speaks English.
Ivan Demerdzhiev
Ivan Demerdzhiev is 50 years old, a lawyer with extensive experience in law and public administration. Candidate from the 9th MIR Kardzhali.
In the period 2022 – 2023, he held the positions of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Internal Affairs in the two consecutive governments of Galab Donev. In 2021, he was the acting Minister of Justice and Deputy Minister in the same department. His professional career is closely related to the legal profession – He is a long-standing member of the Bar Association - Plovdiv, and in the period 2019 - 2021 he was its chairman. He is a manager and partner in a law firm with expertise in commercial, civil and administrative law.
He completed his higher education at the Plovdiv University “Paisiy Hilendarski“, where he obtained a master's degree in “Law“. He specializes in litigation in complex commercial cases, bankruptcy and property law.
He speaks Russian and German.
Married, with two children.
Yavor Gechev
Yavor Gechev is 47 years old and is the leader of the list for MPs in the 10th MIR Kyustendil.
He is an established expert and public figure with many years of experience in the field of agriculture and rural development. In the period 2022 – 2023, he held the position of Minister of Agriculture in two consecutive governments. His professional path includes his experience as a MP in the 42nd National Assembly and Deputy Minister of Agriculture. For many years, he headed the National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives in Bulgaria, and is currently an advisor to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria on issues of agriculture, food and forests.
He graduated from the Agrarian University in Plovdiv, where he obtained a master's degree as an agronomist engineer with a specialty in “Plant Protection“. He has completed a number of specializations in the field of political management and public policies at the national and European level.
He speaks English and Russian.
Ivet Goranova
Ivet Goranova is 26 years old and is the leader of the list for members of parliament in the 11th MIR Lovech.
She is an Olympic karate champion from the Tokyo 2020 Games and one of the most successful Bulgarian athletes in modern history. Her professional path is closely connected with the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and until now she was part of the staff of the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
She graduated from the Economic Academy "Dimitar A. Tsenov" - Svishtov. She holds a bachelor's degree in "Trade Economics" and a master's degree in "Business Management".
Her sports career is marked by outstanding achievements, including the title of Athlete of the Year of Bulgaria (2021), a gold medal from the European Olympic Games, as well as numerous awards from world and European championships. Ivet Goranova is a multiple Balkan and Republican champion.
He speaks English.
Dimitar Petrov
Dimitar Petrov is 27 years old and is the leader of the list for MPs in the 12th MIR Montana.
He is a lawyer and public policy expert with a focus on local self-government and constitutional law. His professional path passes through the Sofia Municipal Council, where he holds the position of senior legal advisor. Dimitar Petrov is a doctoral student in “Constitutional Law“ at the Faculty of Law of the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski“ and a graduate of the National Program “Management Skills“ at the Bulgarian School of Politics “Dimitar Panitsa“.
In parallel with his legal activities, he is actively involved in the cultural life of the country as a co-founder and chairman of the “Union of Young Writers“ in Bulgaria and the author of four books.
He has a rich academic background with four master's degrees: in “Law“ from the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski“, in “Political Management and Public Policies“ and “Diplomacy and International Relations“ from the New Bulgarian University, as well as in “Leadership Practices“ from the University of Library Science and Information Technologies.
He speaks English and Russian.
Galub Donev
Galub Donev is 59 years old and is the leader of the list for members of parliament in the 13th MIR Pazardzhik.
He has exceptional experience in the highest levels of government. In the period 2022 – 2023, he held the post of Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria in two consecutive governments. His professional career is closely related to the administration of the President, where from 2023 to 2026 he held the responsible position of Head of the Cabinet of the Head of State, and before that he was Secretary for Social Policies, Demography and Healthcare.
Galub Donev is an established expert in the field of labor and social policy, having held the positions of Acting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor and Social Policy in three cabinets (in 2017 and 2021).
He holds two master's degrees - in &ldash; Law“ and “ Finance“.
He speaks English and Russian.
Married, with one child.
Petar Vitanov
Petar Vitanov is 43 years old and is the leader of the list for members of parliament in the 14th MIR Pernik.
He has over 10 years of experience in the field of international relations and parliamentary activity. His professional path in the legislative branch began in the "International Relations and Protocol" Directorate of the National Assembly (2013 - 2017). In the period 2017 - 2019 he was a member of the people's parliament in the 44th National Assembly, and from 2019 to 2024 he was a member of the European Parliament, where he actively participated in the preparation of European policies and legislation.
He graduated from Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" with a master's degree in "International Relations". He also holds a second master's degree in "International Finance" from New Bulgarian University.
He speaks English and Russian.
Married, with two children.
Dimitar Zdravkov
Dimitar Zdravkov is 36 years old and is a candidate for Member of Parliament from the 15th Pleven constituency.
He has over ten years of experience in the field of state administration, education and innovation. In the period from 2017 to 2026, he was part of the team of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, where he successively held the positions of Education Advisor and Innovation Advisor. Member of the Commission on Bulgarian Citizenship.
His professional path also includes work in the Ministry of Education and Science (2013 - 2017), where as an expert in the “Finance“ Directorate is responsible for budget analyses and participates in the management of large-scale projects under operational programs.
Dimitar Zdravkov holds two master's degrees: in "Law" from the Veliko Tarnovo University "St. Cyril and Methodius" and in "Macroeconomics" from the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) - Sofia.
He speaks English and Russian.
Married, with two children.
Vladimir Nikolov
Vladimir Nikolov is 48 years old and is the leader of the list for members of parliament in the 16th Plovdiv constituency.
He is one of the most successful Bulgarian athletes, having dedicated 38 years of his life to volleyball. Long-time captain of the Bulgarian national team, with whom he won numerous awards at the world and European level. His professional path includes 14 years of management experience as a manager and leader in the structures of the volleyball club “Levski“, where he actively works for the development of children's and youth sports and the professional direction.
He graduated from the National Sports Academy (NSA) with a degree in “Teacher and Coach“. His expertise combines sports discipline with proven leadership qualities and skills in managing teams and large sports projects.
Vladimir Nikolov has exceptional language skills, as he speaks five foreign languages: Serbian, Russian, English, French and Italian.
Married, with four children.
Gen. Ivan Lalov
Ivan Lalov is 63 years old and is the leader of the list for members of parliament in 17 MIR Plovdiv-region.
He is a senior officer with an exceptional professional career in the Bulgarian Army and Air Force. In the period from 2018 to 2026, he held the position of Deputy Commander of the Joint Forces Command (JFC). Between 2014 and 2018, he was the commander of the "Graf Ignatievo" air base, where he went through all levels of flight training and command staff. His military career began at the "Ravnets" air base.
He graduated from the "Georgi Benkovski" Military Academy in Dolna Mitropolia and the "G. S. Rakovski" Military Academy in Sofia. Graduated from the General Military Defense College in Paris, France.
He speaks Russian, French and English.
Family.
Malomir Vlasov
Malomir Vlasov is 52 years old and is the leader of the list for members of parliament in the 18th MIR Razgrad.
He is an established entrepreneur with over 30 years of professional experience in the field of agriculture. He began his career in 1993, founding his own commercial enterprise. He is currently a co-owner of several companies.
He completed his higher education at the Thracian University - Stara Zagora, where he obtained a qualification in the specialty "Veterinary Medicine". His expertise combines professional knowledge in the field of animal husbandry with skills in managing large-scale commercial structures.
He speaks Russian and English.
Married.
arch. Zhivka Buchukovska
Zhivka Buchukovska is 59 years old and is a candidate for Member of Parliament from the 19th Ruse District.
She is a proven expert in the field of architecture, urban planning and regional planning. Her professional path is closely connected with the development of Ruse, where she held the position of Chief Architect of the Municipality for many years. She was a chief expert in the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW), responsible for regional policy in the North Central Region.
In parallel with her administrative activities, Arch. Buchukovska has extensive design experience in the investment design of residential and public buildings, as well as in the development of strategies for sustainable urban development.
She graduated from the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG/VIAS) in Sofia with a degree in “Architecture“.
She speaks English and Russian.
She is single, with one child.
Slavi Vassilev
Slavi Vassilev is 41 years old and is the leader of the list for members of parliament in the 20th MIR Silistra.
She graduated with a bachelor's degree in “International Relations“ from Boston University in Massachusetts, USA. She also holds a master's degree in “Journalism and Media“ from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski“.
His professional activity is focused on analyzing public policies and media communication.
He is fluent in English and French.
Single.
Vesela Momcheva-Town
Vesela Momcheva-Town is 42 years old and is a candidate for Member of Parliament from the 21st MIR Sliven.
She is an entrepreneur with a diverse professional profile and experience in several key economic sectors. Her expertise also covers the renewable energy sector (RES), where she works on the implementation of clean energy projects. She holds a specialized qualification in the field of aviation and tourism with an international certificate from IATA.
She graduated from the University of Economics – Varna, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in “Business Administration“ and a master's degree in “Tourism“. He completed his secondary education at the Language High School in the city of Sliven.
He speaks English and French.
Family, with two children.
Petar Stoychev
Petar Stoychev is 49 years old and is the leader of the list for members of parliament in the 22nd MIR Smolyan.
He is the winner of the World Cup in swimming marathon for 11 consecutive years and is a world and European champion. Petar Stoychev is the first and only Bulgarian to be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in the USA. He participated in four consecutive Summer Olympic Games, and at the 2008 Beijing Olympics he was the flag bearer of the Bulgarian delegation.
Acting Minister of Youth and Sports in 2013.
Petar Stoychev holds a PhD in “Theory and Methodology of Sports Science“ and a Master's degree in “Sports for High Achievements“ from the National Academy of Sports “Vasil Levski“. He also holds a higher education in “Kinesitherapy“ from the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev“.
He speaks English and Russian.
Married, with two children.
Dr. Mihaela Dotsova
Mihaela Dotsova is 42 years old and is a candidate for Member of Parliament from the 23rd MIR Sofia.
She is a lawyer with extensive experience in state administration and the legislative branch. Since 2017, her professional path has been connected with the Ministry of Environment and Water (MESW), where for over 7 years she held the position of Director of the “Legal“ Directorate. Within the department, she has also held the positions of Chief Secretary and Head of the Minister's Cabinet.
She works as a lawyer in the administration of the National Assembly and the Regional Administration of Sofia Region.
Dr. Dotsova holds the scientific degree "Doctor of Administrative Law and Administrative Process". She is the author of over 13 scientific publications and a participant in numerous conferences in the field of local self-government, electoral processes and environmental law. Her dissertation is dedicated to the control of legality of acts of municipal councils.
She speaks English.
She is single.
Stefan Belchev
Stefan Belchev is 55 years old and is a candidate for Member of Parliament from the 24th MIR Sofia (Poduyane district).
He is an established expert with 30 years of professional experience in the field of internal audit and financial control in the public sector. Over the past two decades, he has held key management positions in the Ministry of Finance system, including Deputy Minister of Finance and Director of the State Financial Inspection Agency (SFI). Until February of this year, he headed the Inspectorate at the Ministry of Finance.
His professional biography also includes strategic roles as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB), member of the Management Board of the State Fund “Agriculture“ (DFZ) and member of the Commission for Public Oversight of Registered Auditors (KPNRO).
Stefan Belchev graduated with a Master's degree in Economics from the "D. A. Tsenov" Academy of Economics - Svishtov, and holds a "Doctor of Economics" degree with a specialization in the field of accounting, control and analysis of business activity.
He speaks English.
Married, with three children.
Prof. Rumen Milanov
Rumen Milanov is 77 years old and is the leader of the list for members of parliament in the 26th MIR Sofia Region.
He is a lieutenant general in the reserve and one of the most authoritative experts on national security in Bulgaria. In his career, he headed three of the key services in the country: the National Service for Combating Organized Crime (NSBOP), the National Security Service (NSO) and the Gendarmerie Directorate. He was secretary of the Security Council of the Council of Ministers and head of the Anti-Corruption Center (BORCOR).
Rumen Milanov is a professor at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of the Republic of Bulgaria, and also teaches at the University of National and World Economy and UniBIT. He is the author of numerous scientific works in the field of security and road safety.
He graduated from UACEG and specialized in Scotland Yard.
He speaks Russian.
Married, with one child.
Alexander Pulev
Alexander Pulev is 45 years old and is the leader of the list for members of parliament in the 27th MIR of Stara Zagora.
He is a financier and manager with international experience in the real economy and investments. His professional path has passed through leading financial institutions such as UniCredit, Citigroup, EY and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
He holds key positions in government, including Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications (2021) and Minister of Innovation and Growth in two consecutive cabinet positions (2022 – 2023), where he works to support business and attract investment.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on finance from the University of Oxford, England.
Bachelor of Information Systems and Finance from the University of Maine, USA.
Fluent in English.
Family.
Eng. Ilko Iliev
Ilko Iliev is 67 years old and is the leader of the list for members of parliament in the 28th MIR Targovishte.
An entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience in the real economy. He is the founder and owner of the company “Mebel-Stil“ - the largest manufacturer of upholstered furniture in Bulgaria.
His professional path began in the navy, where he was a ship captain.
He graduated from the Naval Academy “N. Y. Vaptsarov“ with a degree in “Engineer-shipmaster“ (Master's degree).
He speaks Russian.
Married.
Dimitar Stoyanov
Dimitar Stoyanov is 57 years old and is the leader of the list in the 29th MIR Haskovo.
He is a reserve colonel with over 25 years of career in the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force. He has extensive management experience at the highest state level as Minister of Defense (2022 – 2023), Principal Secretary to the President and Secretary of Security and Defense.
Key expert in strategic planning, initiator of the Air Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) projects and the concept of aerial firefighting.
He graduated from the “Georgi Benkovski“ Military Academy in Sofia and the “Maxwell“ Air Force College in the USA.
He speaks English and Russian.
Family.
Dr. Yavor Plashilski
Dr. Yavor Plashilski is 51 years old and is the leader of the list in 30 MIR Shumen.
He is a doctor with nearly thirty years of experience in human medicine. His professional path began in Emergency Room – Shumen, passed through the Workers' Hospital and many years of practice as a family doctor in the village of Tsarev Brod. Since 2008, he has been part of the team of the Medical Center “Health“ in Shumen, and since 2025 he has been a mentor and trains general medicine residents at the Medical University – Varna.
Master of Human Medicine from the Medical University – Varna.
He speaks English and Russian.
Married.
Encho Keryazov
Encho Keryazov is 52 years old and is the leader of the list in the 31st MIR Yambol.
He is a world-famous artist and public figure with a large-scale contribution to Bulgarian culture and sports. He is currently the deputy mayor of Yambol Municipality for the second term, the creator of the “Encho Keryazov“ foundation for supporting talented children and the producer of the prestigious international spectacle “Night of the Stars“.
Before his political career, he achieved global success as a tightrope walker and national acrobatics competitor. He is the recipient of numerous high awards, including “Silver Clown“ from the Monte Carlo Festival, Honorary Badge of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria and the “Golden Age“ award.
He graduated from the National Academy of Sciences “Vasil Levski“.
He speaks Russian and English.
Divorced.