Ministry of Interior celebrates 147 years since its establishment: Program of festive events

05.07.2026 | Bulgaria

The Ministry of Interior celebrates 147 years since its founding with a ceremony at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, a blessing, and a tribute to fallen police officers.

Снимка от Yoglav, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Celebrating 147 years of the Ministry of Interior

Bulgaria marks the 147th anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) with the laying of wreaths at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier and a solemn water consecration of the flags. Vice President Iliana Iotova will also take part in the official ceremony.

The establishment of the Ministry of Interior marked the beginning of the police institution in Bulgaria immediately after the adoption of the Tarnovo Constitution in 1879.

Program of events

Historical context

The history of the institution began on July 5, 1879, with Decree No. 1 of Prince Alexander I. The first Bulgarian Minister of Interior was Todor Burmov. In its initial form, the department was responsible for a wide range of activities – from internal affairs and administration to healthcare and postal services, which were subsequently separated into distinct state structures.