The Bulgarian political career of Galab Donev spans over a decade of ministerial roles and caretaker governance, notably including two terms as Prime Minister of Bulgaria between 2022 and 2023. A career civil servant and politician born in Sofia in 1967, Donev navigated multiple economic and institutional challenges while holding various high-ranking cabinet portfolios.
Early Career and Education
Donev received his formal education across several institutions, including the University of National and World Economy, the University of Ruse, and the Dolna Mitropoliya Air Base. He also attended the 35th school for foreign languages "Dobri Voynikov". His path into national governance saw him serve in various capacities within government, eventually rising to executive leadership roles under the appointment of President Rumen Radev.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Ministry of Labour and Social Policy
In 2017 and again in 2021, Donev held the position of Minister of Labour and Social Policy. During his 2021 tenure, he focused on pension reform and budget actualization. He advocated for raising the work experience coefficient to 3.5 and announced a 12.5 percent average increase in state-issued pensions. His social policy agenda included establishing support for pensioners living below the poverty line, which he defined at 411 Leva, while maintaining opposition to certain flat increases he deemed fiscally unjust.
Prime Ministerial Tenure
Appointed Caretaker Prime Minister on 1 August 2022, Donev focused on addressing the energy crisis and the security of gas supplies. He established a crisis-management team and secured an 800 million Leva loan for the supplier Bulgargaz. His government also addressed internal security concerns, specifically the purchase of votes and road safety, following a significant traffic disaster on the Trakiya highway. His caretaker mandate concluded on 6 June 2023 following the parliamentary approval of Nikolai Denkov.
Recent Political Developments
By 2026, Donev returned to high-level government responsibilities, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria and the Minister of Finance. Concurrently, he sat as a member of the Bulgarian National Assembly. Having previously identified as an independent politician, he aligned with the political project founded by Rumen Radev after the latter transitioned from the presidency.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967, Sofia
- Prime Minister of Bulgaria: 2022–2023
- Minister of Finance: 2026
- Member of the Bulgarian National Assembly: 2026
- Language: Bulgarian
- Education: University of National and World Economy
Questions readers ask
What were the primary goals of Donev's caretaker cabinet?
His cabinet aimed to restore institutional trust, organize fair elections, reduce political polarization, and implement policies from the European Plan for Recovery and Stability.
Did Donev implement mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies?
No. In October 2021, he confirmed that employees could not be terminated for refusing vaccination, although employers maintained the right to implement workplace safety measures.
Achievements
- Minister of Labour and Social Policy (2017–2017)
- Deputy Prime Minister for Economic and Social Policies (2021–2021)
- Minister of Labour and Social Policy (2021–2021)
- Prime Minister of Bulgaria (2022–2023)
- Educated at University of National and World Economy and University of Ruse
