Bulgaria Govt Nominates Constantin Popov as Next Chief of Defense

The Bulgarian government has proposed the name of Lt Gen Constantin Popov as the next Chief of Defense, the cabinet's press office has said.

A proposal has been sent to Bulgaria's President Rosen Plevneliev under which Popov, currently Deputy Chief of Defense, is to take over from Vice Admiral Rumen Nikolov.

The Chief of Defense is appointed by the Bulgarian President upon a proposal by the government and has a four-year term of office.

Nikolov, however, is being sent into retirement before his term expires (he was sworn in on June 30, 2014).

As Vice Admiral, under Bulgarian law he cannot serve after reaching the age of 59 and either has to be awarded a fourth star (and be conferred the rank of Admiral) or retire.

In July of last year, a new presidential decree was expected that would have promoted Vice Admiral Nikolov before he turns 59 on February 09.