News

10 September 2025

The National Assembly elected Maria Filipova to the position of Deputy Ombudsman. 128 MPs voted in favour of her candidacy, 56 were against, and 6 abstained.

During her presentation, Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva emphasized that her legal education and her work with citizens were decisive factors in her selection.

Delcheva also pointed out that Filipova's concept focused on many sensitive human rights issues. She has expertise in the field of criminal law, consumer rights, and juvenile justice.

„She can also contribute greatly to the institution's relationship with citizens," Delcheva added.

We would like to recall 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, using a pre-announced methodology on the Ombudsman's website. The committee ranked Maria Filipova first. On 18 August this year, the Ombudsman submitted her candidacy to Parliament.