Denyu Denev Proposed for DANS Chairman, President's Stance Awaited

BURGAS – In an atmosphere of heightened media attention, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov confirmed from Burgas that the Council of Ministers has taken official steps to appoint a new chairman of the State Agency "National Security" (DANS). This is all happening against a backdrop of continuing tension between the executive and presidential branches of government, which casts a shadow over key state institutions. Addressing journalists gathered in the seaside city, Zhelyazkov announced that the government had sent a request to the president for approval of Denyu Denev's candidacy for the post, which he currently holds on an interim basis.

Approval Procedure and Legislative Deadlines

The prime minister emphasized that the procedure is strictly regulated by law, which provides a one-month deadline for a decision on the proposed candidacy. However, Zhelyazkov pointed out that the process is still in its initial phase and the government is awaiting an official written response from the head of state.

"We are still in an approval procedure, long after the decree for the dismissal of Plamen Tonchev, and we are not yet making decisions because we are awaiting the official position of the president, not just what has been stated," he said.

Prime Minister Rejects Accusations of "Brutal Purge"

Asked to comment on President Rumen Radev's words about a "brutal purge" at DANS, Zhelyazkov described the statement as "quite literally metaphorical". The prime minister categorically rejected such claims, stating that there is no evidence to support accusations of "Stalinist methods" or actions related to such terminology. His statement sheds additional light on the strained relations between key figures in power and the sharp differences in assessments of what is happening in the security sector.

When asked about the deadline for the president to give his official answer, Zhelyazkov again recalled that the law provides a one-month period for proposals. He stated that despite everything, the government maintains a good tone and does not want to put the head of state in a situation of non-compliance with his legal obligations. Zhelyazkov emphasized that the signal the government is striving to send to the public is one of cooperation and interaction, not division, although the latter is already visible. With these words, the prime minister once again stressed the need for a constructive dialogue between institutions to guarantee the stability of the state in the sensitive sector of national security.