Petya Ivanova Elected Mayor of Gorna Oryahovitsa with 23 Votes

Petya Ivanova is the new mayor of Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipality. At its meeting on Thursday, October 29, the Municipal Council elected her to complete the 2023–2027 term. The decision received 23 votes in favour, with three councillors abstaining, according to the municipality.

Ivanova took the oath of office before the council, municipal officials and guests. Since January 2024, she has served as deputy mayor responsible for humanitarian affairs and sport. Previously, she worked as deputy headteacher at Georgi Izmirliev Secondary School.

The change follows Nikolay Rashkov's resignation on October 20 and the termination of his mandate the next day. The case involved a conflict of interest identified by the former anti-corruption commission over the signing of a municipal property contract and a subsequent legal dispute. Rashkov attended the ceremony and congratulated his successor, the municipality said.

With less than a year left in the regular term, the statutory procedure allows the Municipal Council to elect a mayor from among the deputy mayors rather than hold a by-election. Council chair Ognyan Stoyanov submitted the proposal to appoint Ivanova.

The new mayor identified completing municipal projects, improving public spaces and maintaining financial discipline as priorities. These are stated plans, not outcomes that have already been achieved.

Sources: Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipality, October 29, 2026; 24 Chasa, October 29, 2026.

Photo: Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipality, accompanying its official election announcement.