With the acceptance of the proposal of the Prosecutorial College of the Supreme Judicial Council, Vanya Stefanova wrote her name in history as the first woman to head the state prosecution in Bulgaria, albeit in the capacity of acting (i.f.) chief prosecutor. Her appointment comes at a critical moment for the judiciary, after Borislav Sarafov officially withdrew his consent to take up the position, vesti.bg wrote.
Professional path: From investigator to the Supreme Prosecutor's Office
Vanya Stefanova's career is a classic example of consistent growth in the hierarchy of the judiciary. She began her professional path in the investigative services, later moving to the prosecutor's office.
Over the years, Stefanova has held key positions in the District Prosecutor's Office – Slivnitsa and Sofia City Prosecutor's Office (SGP). It was in the SGP that she established herself as a prosecutor with a focus on cases of high public interest and complex legal matters. Her work there was characterized by operational precision and distancing from media appearances, which built her reputation as a “quiet but effective figure“ in the system.
The period in the State Agency for National Security: Experience in National Security
One of the most significant highlights in Stefanova's biography is her time in the executive branch. In the period 2013-2015, she held the position of Deputy Chairman of the State Agency for National Security (SANS).
This experience is unique for a magistrate of her rank. Her work in the agency gave her a deep insight into the operational mechanisms of the state, the fight against organized crime and threats to national security. This “external” experience for the prosecution is today seen as a major advantage, as she knows the investigation process from both the operational services and the prosecution side.
Return to the prosecution and rise to the top
After her term at SANS, Stefanova returned to the prosecution, where she took over the leadership of the key “Specialized” department at the Supreme Prosecutor's Office. Under her leadership, the department deals with the most serious cases related to corruption at the highest levels of power and international legal cooperation.
On January 22, 2025, she was elected Deputy Prosecutor General at the Supreme Cassation Prosecutor's Office. The motive for her election at that time was her impeccable certificate and the fact that she was the most senior prosecutor at the Supreme Cassation Prosecutor's Office - a criterion that now turned out to be decisive for her appointment to the position of acting prosecutor. Prosecutor General.
The Historical Context: End of the “Men's Club“
The appointment of Vanya Stefanova is a precedent in Bulgarian history. Since the establishment of the institution of the Prosecutor General until today, the position has always been held by men. Although with the status of “acting“ for a period of six months, Stefanova receives the full powers of Prosecutor No. 1.
Main priorities and expectations:
Continuity and stability: She is expected to ensure a smooth transition in a period of political uncertainty.
Focus on security: With her background in the National Security Agency, Stefanova is likely to strengthen the interaction between the prosecution and security services.
Distancing: As a magistrate who has not been involved in the public conflicts that have rocked the prosecution over the past two years, she is seen as a figure capable of restoring trust in the institution.