Bulgaria’s President Rosen Plevneliev has said that he won’t found or join a political party after he steps down after the presidential elections in the autumn.

“I remain committed to the Bulgarian democracy, the Bulgarian state and the Bulgarian people, irrespective of my position. I remain active in the Bulgarian political life,” Plevneliev said in an interview with 24 Chasa daily on Saturday.

Plevneliev also denied speculation he might become prime minister if the current head of government Boyko Borisov decided to run for president.

“It has never been discussed. I remain open and committed to every option in which I can be useful to Bulgaria. We have yet to see what opportunities will emerge, and I'll take my responsible decision which way to go,” Plevneliev told 24 Chasa.

Rosen Plevneliev said in May that he would not seek a second five-year term, citing personal reasons.

Asked by 24 Chasa why he had decided not to run again even though GERB party, the dominant partner in the governing coalition, reportedly would have liked to see him in the race, Plevneliev replied: “I have my personal reasons, they are serious enough and I'm sure the people understand the fair and honest stance.”