Bulgarian MPs Move to Make Higher Education Compulsory for High-Level Officials

The Bulgarian parliament adopted at first reading on Thursday amendments to the Administration Act, which will make it compulsory for high-level state officials to hold higher education.

If the changes are finally approved, regional governors, their deputies, deputy ministers, the chairpersons of state agencies and commissions and their deputies, as well as heads of state institutions will be required to hold at least a Master's degree.

The requirement will concern newly appointed officials and will not be applicable to MPs and ministers as their rights are regulated in the constitution.

This will avoid awkward situations in which subordinates are more educated than their chiefs as the current legislation allows for people with primary education to be appointed to these positions.

The Socialist opposition proposed that this requirement is extended to include the positions of prime minister and mayors.

Metodi Andreev from the largest ruling party GERB said that prior to the final voting he will table a proposal for introducing a requirement for candidates to also have at least three years of relevant work experience.

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