Bulgaria Vice-Chief Prosecutor Dismissed amid Political Crisis

Bulgarian Deputy Chief Prosecutor Galina Toneva has been released from her office by the Supreme Judicial Council at the request of Chief Prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov.

Tsatsarov made it clear that the move has been motivated by differences in their understanding of the work of the Prosecutor's Office.

He added that he has proposed Toneva for appointment in the Supreme Cassation Prosecution.

Tsatsarov stressed that the release of his aide is not disciplinary punishment, but however said that it might be related to a possible breach of procedural rules in a prosecution check on the export of electric power.

Sotir Tsatsarov swore in as Bulgaria's Chief Prosecutor on January 10.

On the same day he announced that his two rivals in the contest for the office - one of them being Galina Toneva - will act as his aides.

Galina Toneva was Bulgaria's Deputy Chief Prosecutor under previous Chief Prosecutor Boris Velchev.

Thursday the Bulgarian Parliament is vote on the unexpected resignation of PM Boyko Borisov's cabinet amid strong protests against economic stagnation.