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

  • 08:30 AM – Ceremony in front of the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, including an exhibition of specialized equipment and gear of the MoI structures.
  • 10:00 AM – Laying of wreaths at the monument to fallen police officers in the garden of the "Sveti Sedmochislenitsi" church.

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.