Delian Dobrev Resigns from GERB: Bulgaria Political Shift

Bulgaria’s GERB party is facing a period of internal upheaval as Delyan Dobrev, a long-serving politician and former minister, is set to request his removal from the party’s Executive Committee, and Parliament.

The move, reported by Focus News Agency citing a well-informed source, is expected to be the first item on the agenda during a plenary session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, February 18th.

Dobrev’s departure from GERB was confirmed to BNT by PR expert Diana Damyanova. While the news hadn’t been personally confirmed by the MP at the time of reporting, Damyanova indicated she had information from sources close to Dobrev. “Delyan Dobrev has given his all lately,” she said.

Damyanova expressed a conflicted view, stating, “I personally like this man, but I also personally blame him for that budget committee which crossed the boundaries of the normal and set the tone for everything that followed after that.”

She added that people are not born or die in politics, and that “there is a large part of sensible people who sit in politics and then withdraw.” Damyanova characterized the move as a normal decision, and not a scandal.

Sociologist Evelina Slavkova suggested that Dobrev’s departure shouldn’t be viewed as a dramatic event. “This gives an opportunity for new faces from GERB to come to the forefront,” she stated.

The potential departure of Dobrev is being viewed as more than just a personal decision, but as a symptom of deeper issues within GERB. As political commentator Ilian Vassilev wrote on Facebook, “Whatever we think of him, he had his own weight and core of supporters in this party. In a pre-election situation of eroding support, his withdrawal is not exactly a good sign for them.”

Dobrev’s planned exit comes after a period of political instability in Bulgaria, marked by protests over the 2026 budget plan announced by the Zhelyazkov government in November 2025. The protests, which drew tens of thousands of participants, initially focused on proposed increases to pension and social security contributions, but quickly broadened to include demands for the resignation of the government and new elections. The budget was ultimately withdrawn, and the Zhelyazkov government subsequently resigned.

In late 2025, Dobrev publicly criticized recent budgets, stating that none since 2021 aligned with GERB’s policies. He argued that the state’s tax system was unsustainable and that raising taxes or social security contributions would be necessary to remain within the 3% deficit limit required for Eurozone entry. He emphasized that GERB had made significant compromises in pursuit of joining the Eurozone, even to the point of self-sacrifice, according to a November 30, 2025 interview with NOVA.

Dobrev’s political career has also seen scrutiny. In October 2017, he faced allegations of improper appointments in the municipality of Haskovo, prompting him to offer his resignation from Parliament. However, that resignation was ultimately rejected by a vote of 99 against, 97 in favor, and 19 abstentions.