In the history of modern Bulgarian State, the functions of head of State have been performed by a monarch, a Regency Council and, later on, by collegial bodies like a Presidium of the National Assembly and a State Council. The institution of President of the Republic has a relatively recent history and is associated with Bulgaria’s transition to democracy and with the new structuring of institutions within the context of this transition.
The presidential institution in Bulgaria came into being upon the adoption of the country’s new Constitution on 12 July 1991. The establishment of a republic with a parliamentary system of government was accordingly accompanied by introduction of the institution of President of the Republic as head of State.
The President, as head of State is traditionally Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. This function is performed both in peacetime and in wartime. The President is empowered to appoint and discharge the highest command personnel of the Armed Forces and to award the highest military ranks, acting on a recommendation by the Council of Ministers.
The President practically governs the country during the period between a dissolution of the National Assembly and the conduct of early parliamentary elections. In this case, the President appoints a caretaker cabinet, which is accountable to him or her.
The prisident office is in the Presidency building located at 2 Dondukov Blvd.