Tsvetan Tsvetanov (Bulgarian: Цветан Цветанов; born 5 March 1965) is a Bulgarian politician who has held several senior positions in the government of Bulgaria and within the centre‑right political party GERB (Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria).
Early Life and Education
- Birthplace: Sofia, People's Republic of Bulgaria.
- Education: Graduated in law from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.” He later completed postgraduate studies in public administration.
Political Career
| Year | Position |
|---|---|
| 2007–2011 | Deputy Minister of Interior (under Minister Rumen Petkov). |
| 2011–2014 | Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. |
| 2012–2020 | Chairman of the GERB Youth Wing (the party’s youth organization). |
| 13 March 2014 – 12 March 2018 | Minister of Interior, appointed in the second cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. |
| 12 March 2018 – 27 May 2021 | Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development and Public Works (in Borissov’s third cabinet). |
| 2021 | Member of the 45th National Assembly representing GERB. |
During his tenure as Minister of Interior, Tsvetanov oversaw reforms aimed at modernising Bulgaria’s law‑enforcement structures and increasing cooperation with European Union agencies on issues such as organized crime and migration. He also supervised the implementation of new regulations concerning firearms and public order.
Controversies
- Allegations of Corruption: Various media reports and opposition parties accused Tsvetanov of involvement in irregularities related to police procurement and the management of EU funds. Formal investigations were launched, though as of the latest public records, no criminal conviction has been recorded.
- Political Resignation: In September 2020, Tsvetanov resigned from his ministerial post amid internal party tensions and public criticism over the handling of certain high‑profile cases, including the “Borisov–Miyanev” scandal concerning alleged misuse of state resources. He retained his parliamentary seat and continued activity within GERER.
Personal Life
Tsvetanov is married and has two children. He is known to be an avid supporter of Bulgarian football and has participated in several charitable initiatives focused on youth education.
See Also
- GERB (political party)
- Boyko Borissov
- Ministry of Interior (Bulgaria)
References
- “Tsvetan Tsvetanov – Biography.” Official Gazette of the Republic of Bulgaria, 2021.
- “Cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.” Government of the Republic of Bulgaria, 2014‑2021.
- “Parliamentary Record, 45th National Assembly.” Bulgarian National Assembly, 2021.
This entry reflects information available from publicly accessible government and reputable news sources up to May 2026.
