Iva Yordanova has resigned as Deputy Head of the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad (SABA), Tuesday.

In an open letter to the media, Yordanova said that she resigned because that is what decent people do.

“I resign because I believe that I have the education, qualities, qualifications and experience that the post I occupied until today requires. And since I want all doubts about my appointment to be removed, I insist on a public competition that will take place in front of journalists and will be broadcast live on the internet. Thus, everyone who voiced conflicting opinions about my abilities, my answers related to the objectives and vision for the development of SABA can hear. And I am sure that then all worries about my competence and experience will be removed,” she wrote, as quoted by Darik news website.

“I do not resign for reasons related to my personal life, because as a person living in the 21st century, I think that people should be evaluated based on their work and achievements, and not according to rumors, intrigues and obscene comments about their personal life,” Yordanova pointed out referring to her relationship with Bozhidar Lukarski, one of the Reformist Bloc's leaders.

Yordanova assumed office last week after Yordan Yanev was dismissed following reports of violations in the issuance of certificates for Bulgarian origin to foreign citizens.