Boyko Borisov
At a glance
| In Bulgarian | Бойко Борисов |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 June 1959, Bankya, Bulgaria |
| Party | GERB, since 2006 |
| Known for | Prime minister of Bulgaria in three terms, 2009–2013, 2014–2017 and 2017–2021 |
| Other offices | Mayor of Sofia, 2005–2009; member of the National Assembly from 2023 |
Source: Wikipedia: Boyko Borisov1
Early career
Borisov was born in Bankya in 1959. He worked in Bulgaria’s Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1982 to 1990, first as a firefighter and later as an instructor at the Police Academy. After leaving the ministry with the rank of major, he founded the private security company Ipon-1. He later worked as a bodyguard to former communist leader Todor Zhivkov and to Simeon II.1
Borisov became chief secretary of the Ministry of Interior in 2001. He was elected mayor of Sofia in 2005 and re-elected in 2007. In December 2005, he founded the centre-right GERB party. GERB won the 2009 parliamentary election, and Borisov left the mayor’s office to become prime minister.1
Prime minister
Borisov served as prime minister from 2009 to 2013, leading a GERB-dominated government. Its stated priorities included curbing corruption and expanding infrastructure. The government completed the Lyulin motorway and approved an energy-sector strategy. It also halted the Belene nuclear power plant project. Nationwide protests over energy costs, living standards and corruption preceded Borisov’s resignation in February 2013.1
After GERB won the 2014 election, Borisov returned as prime minister. He resigned in January 2017 after GERB’s candidate lost the presidential election. GERB then won the snap parliamentary election, and Borisov began a third term in May 2017. He remained in office until May 2021, when his cabinet’s resignation was accepted by the National Assembly.1
Later activity
Borisov remained active in politics after leaving office. He has been GERB leader since January 2010 and a member of the National Assembly from 12 April 2023. He is Bulgaria’s longest-serving post-communist prime minister, with nine years in office across his three terms.1
His governments faced criticism over corruption, media freedom and the rule of law. In March 2022, Borisov was detained on suspicion of extortion and released the following day. He denied wrongdoing, and the Sofia Administrative Court later ruled that his arrest had been illegal. He has also faced allegations of electoral fraud and links to organised crime; these remain allegations.1
He remains the leader of GERB.1
Sources
Facts checked 13 October 2026. Prepared by InvestBulgaria for general information.
