Anton Gochev reappointed as head of Bulgaria's State Agency for Intelligence

The Bulgarian National Assembly voted to give Anton Gochev a second five‑year term as chairman of the State Agency for Intelligence (DAR), effective from 17 June 2026. The council of ministers had proposed his continuation on 10 June, and the plenary approved the appointment by a vote of 147 in favour, 14 against and one abstention. Support came from Progressive Bulgaria, GERB‑SDS, DPS and Vzrazhdane, while Democratic Bulgaria opposed the move.

Gochev was heard on 2 July by the parliamentary commission overseeing security services, where he outlined priorities that include expanding the use of virtual space for gathering intelligence on potential agents of interest. The re‑appointment follows amendments to the agency’s governing law adopted last year, which transferred the selection of the DAR head from the council of ministers to parliament.

A career intelligence officer, Gochev has more than three decades of experience in military intelligence and has served in diplomatic posts in Greece, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy, interfacing with NATO and EU partners.