Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Toni Todorov highlighted the exceptional role of the gendarmerie as a key guarantor of the security of Bulgarian citizens during a solemn ceremony dedicated to the 144th anniversary of the formation's establishment.
In an emotional speech, the Director of the Main Directorate "Gendarmerie, Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism" (GDGSOPT) Chief Commissioner Nikolay Nikolov emphasized the challenges facing modern employees. "Modern threats require immediate solutions without compromising quality," he firmly stated, calling for continuous improvement of professional training.
On the occasion of the anniversary, Minister Daniel Mitov ordered a large-scale awarding of employees. Six gendarmes received the Honorary Badge of the Ministry of Interior - one of the first degree, two of the second, and three of the third degree. Secretary General Miroslav Rashkov additionally distinguished 30 employees, and the directorate's director awarded another 70 people.
The solemn ceremony was attended by high-ranking Ministry of Interior officials, including Chief Commissioners Miroslav Rashkov, Anton Zlatanov, Alexander Jhartov, and Lyubomir Nikolov, representatives of various directorates in the internal ministry system.
The historical reference reveals that the gendarmerie was established on July 26, 1881, by Decree No. 627 of Prince Alexander Battenberg. Subsequently, the formation went through numerous reorganizations, including complete closure and restoration. It acquired its modern appearance in 1997 when changes in the Ministry of Interior Law made it an integral part of the ministry.