Bulgarian Deputy Education Minister Resigns

A Bulgarian Deputy Education Minister deposited his resignation on Monday, a week after a reshuffle at the ministry which had left him unaffected.

Denkov, who was in charge of higher education, on Tuesday told the Bulgarian National Radio that he did not think he would "fit" in the new team of Minister Meglena Kuneva. He also denied having had any disagreement with her on certain policies.

A subsequent press release by the government confirmed that Denkov had stepped down and his resignation, submitted due to "differences" with the priorities and style of work of Kuneva's team, had been accepted by the Prime Minister.

Kuneva earlier this year replaced Todor Tanev at the helm of the ministry after the latter was asked to leave by Prime Minister Boyko Borisov. Borisov had cited systematically recurring problems in the education system.

Ministries such as the ones in charge of culture and education have often been blamed for a piecemeal approach to key steps needed to adapt the education system to present-day standards and to help boost cultural activities.

Kuneva's opponents in particular have suggested that, being Deputy PM in charge of internal affairs but also responsible for an anti-corruption bill that Parliament is yet to pass, will overlook education due to her numerous assignments in other portfolios.

Her supporters from her Bulgaria of Citizens Movement (DBG), however, argue she is capable of building strong teams that help her carry through every task.