News

1 September 2025

Members of the Committee on Direct Citizen Participation, Citizens’ Complaints, and Interaction with Civil Society heard today the candidate for Deputy Ombudsman Maria Filipova.

She was presented by Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva. Delcheva reminded the MPs that on 14 August 2025, the Ombudsman Institution held a public hearing of three candidates for the position of deputy ombudsman, nominated by non-governmental organisations.

The candidates were evaluated by a committee formed by the Ombudsman, including members of the Advisory Council to the Ombudsman – Prof. Tsvetan Sivkov, Prof. Gabriela Belova, Assoc. Prof. Ralitsa Ilkova, Assoc. Prof. Aneta Antonova, and Assoc. Prof. Hristo Ormandzhiev, in accordance with a pre-announced methodology on the Ombudsman's website. The committee ranked Ms. Maria Filipova first.

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva pointed out that Maria Filipova has a master's degree in law from the University of National and World Economy and additional qualifications and specializations in assessing the impact of legislation and public policies, implementation of EU law in Bulgaria, legal regulation and application of the Civil Procedure Code, specifics of intercultural communication, etc.

She added that Maria Filipova has many years of professional experience in the field of human rights as a practicing lawyer, junior and senior expert at the Ministry of Justice, deputy chair of the Financial Supervision Commission, and chair of the Consumer Protection Commission.

The Ombudsman pointed out that in her concept for work as Deputy Ombudsman, Maria Filipova focused on the following sensitive human rights issues: the need for direct contact with citizens on important current issues (access to drinking water, quality of public services, access to healthcare, etc.), conducting information campaigns targeting the needs of different social groups (the elderly, children, people with disabilities, etc.) in connection with the transition to the euro, protecting consumers from unfair commercial practices and unfair terms in relations between citizens and public service providers, etc.

"As evident from the proposal of the Bulgarian National Association of Active Consumers, Maria Filipova possesses the requiredy personal and professional qualities, resolve and steadfastness in defending consumer rights, which will enable her to effectively perform the duties of Deputy Ombudsman," Delcheva stated.

The Ombudsman also pointed out to the MPs that Filipova had been actively involved in issues related to citizens' rights and freedoms and, in her capacity as an expert at the Ministry of Justice, had been part of the team that drafted the new Criminal Code. She participated in public consultations, following which amendments and additions were proposed to the Enforcement of Sentences and Detention Act, the Judiciary System Act, and legislation in the field of juvenile justice.

Maria Filipova, who is currently chair of the CPC, emphasized that she would continue to maintain good communication and partnership with the media and MPs so that citizens' rights were protected without compromise.  

She added that the outreach reception meetings will be an important part of her work, so that people feel the presence of the Ombudsman close to them and recognize the Institution as their defender.

When asked by MPs in various forms whether she would accept the position of caretaker prime minister, Maria Filipova replied that she had already stated her opinion on the matter and would no longer answer hypothetical questions.