Gorna Oryahovitsa Mayor Nikolay Rashkov retains post following court ruling

The Administrative Court in Veliko Tarnovo has issued a ruling regarding the mandate of Nikolay Rashkov, the mayor of Gorna Oryahovitsa. The court overturned a decision by the Municipal Election Commission (OIK) concerning the early termination of his powers.

The legal dispute originated from a conflict of interest established by previous rulings. The OIK had previously failed to reach a majority decision to remove Rashkov, as the commission members were split equally with five votes in favor and five against. The legal proceedings were initiated following a complaint by the GERB party.

In its decision, the court has returned the case file to the Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipal Election Commission for a new pronouncement within a three-day period. This ruling is not final and can be appealed to the Supreme Administrative Court within seven days. The court also dismissed GERB's request for legal costs and attorney fees.