On February 18, 2026, Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova appointed Andrey Gyurov as the caretaker prime minister, setting the stage for snap parliamentary elections scheduled for April 19. This decision follows the previous government's resignation amid widespread protests over corruption and economic issues. Yotova emphasized that the caretaker government's primary task is to ensure fair elections, stating, "The most important task of the new interim government is the preparation of fair elections." This election will mark the eighth parliamentary vote since April 2021, reflecting ongoing political instability in the country. Analysts predict that the new elections could potentially increase the representation of nationalist and pro-Russia groups in parliament, complicating Bulgaria's political landscape further. Gyurov, who has a background in economics and has held various senior positions, including deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, is tasked with restoring public trust in governmental institutions. He leads a cabinet composed of experts, focusing on transparency and integrity in the electoral process. As noted by Al Jazeera, this election follows "weeks of protests over budget, alleged corruption," indicating significant public sentiment against the current political establishment. The caretaker government is expected not only to manage the elections but also to continue investigations into high-profile corruption cases, which is crucial for maintaining public trust during this transitional period. According to ABC International, the appointment of the caretaker government is a critical step in addressing the political turmoil that has gripped Bulgaria, highlighting the urgency of the situation as the country approaches the election date.