Konstantin Penchev, former chair of the Supreme Administrative Court (VAS), swore in as Bulgaria's new ombudsman at the beginning of the parliamentary session on Wednesday.

Penchev was the candidate of the ruling, center-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party and replaces Ginyo Ganev, whose term expired in April.

During the secret vote earlier this month, 137 MPs cast a ballot for the Chair of the Supreme Administrative Court (VAS) , Konstantin Penchev while other contender, Sabrie Sapundzhieva, a long-time member of Bulgaria's Central Election Commission, nominated by of the ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), got 51 votes.

"My ultimate goal is, when in five years Bulgarians are asked what ombudsman is, to say that this is a person who helps them," Penchev said after his election.

"The knowledge I have as a judge from the Supreme Administrative Court (VAS) would obviously be useful to me as the ombudsman. You will see that it made sense that I hold this position," he said, adding his new position was an honor and a challenge to him.

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