Bulgarian Ombudsman Tipped to Become Caretaker PM

Bulgaria's National Ombudsman Konstantin Penchev has been tipped to become Bulgaria's caretaker Prime Minister, according to local media reports.

Penchev confirmed that NGOs have named him as a potential candidate. However, he told the bTV channel and the Bulgarian National Radio that he has not been offered the job.

"Let us leave the President to exercise his constitutional duties in peace and endorse whoever he believes he should endorse," Penchev said.

"It is not my job to name potential Ministers or PMs," he added.

Bulgaria's President Rosen Plevneliev launched Friday consultations with all political parties after the Parliament voted Thursday the unexpected resignation of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and his Cabinet.

Since all parties in parliament have declared that they will decline to form a Cabinet, Plevneliev will have to appoint a caretaker government.

Several potential caretaker PM nominees have been already named.