President Yotova Issues Decree Relieving Admiral Emil Eftimov of Defense Chief Duties

President Iliana Yotova issued Decree No. 334 on November 5, 2026, to relieve Admiral Emil Eftimov of his position as Chief of Defense and from military service. The presidential decree, which was published in State Gazette issue 103, is scheduled to take effect on January 2, 2027. Minister of Defense Dimitar Stoyanov has been assigned the execution of this decree.

The decision to relieve Admiral Emil Eftimov of his duties follows a resignation submitted by the Admiral on September 30, 2026. This submission provided a three-month notice period prior to the effective date of his departure. President Iliana Yotova stated that Admiral Emil Eftimov had informed her in advance of his decision to resign.

Legislative changes and ministerial proposals

The dismissal of Admiral Emil Eftimov follows a recent legislative change that increased the maximum age allowed for individuals holding the position of Chief of Defense. The Council of Ministers proposed the dismissal of Admiral Emil Eftimov to the President on October 28, 2026. This proposal occurred despite the fact that the Chief of Defense is appointed by presidential decree upon the proposal of the government.

According to reports from 24 Chasa, Admiral Emil Eftimov has served under 13 different governments and 7 different defense ministers during his tenure. His term as Chief of Defense began on March 30, 2020. The Admiral, who was born on August 16, 1961, has held the leadership role for nearly six years.

Reports from Mediapool indicate that Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Minister of Defense Dimitar Stoyanov had reservations regarding the work performed by Admiral Emil Eftimov. However, 24 Chasa noted that Minister of Defense Dimitar Stoyanov was absent from the Council of Ministers meeting where these matters were discussed due to a trilateral security meeting in the Black Sea with Turkish and Romanian counterparts.

Potential successors for defense leadership

The vacancy in the highest military office has prompted speculation regarding potential replacements. Mediapool reports that Vice Admiral Mitko Petev, who serves as the security advisor to the President, is expected to replace Admiral Emil Eftimov. Other candidates for the position include Deputy Chief of Defense Krasimir Kanev and Commander of Land Forces Deyan Deshkov.

Mediapool also reported that Commander of Air Force Nikolay Rusev is a potential candidate, though the candidate expressed skepticism regarding the prospect on social media. The transition in military leadership comes at a time when the military has seen significant developments, including a 30% military salary increase achieved under the tenure of Admiral Emil Eftimov.

Glossary

• Council of Ministers — The Council of Ministers of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria was the supreme executive and administrative organ responsible for the executive and administrative management of Bulgaria during the socialist period. It was the principal organ through which state policy was translated into administration, economic planning, budgeting, and governmental regulation.
• Black Sea — The Black Sea is a very deep inland sea. It is poor in oxygen and supports very little marine life in the deeper regions.
• Decree No. 334 — A decree issued by Alexander I of Battenberg on 24 November 1879. It was used to appoint the second government of the Principality of Bulgaria, headed by Bishop Kliment of Tarnovo.