Sofia Transport Deputy Mayor Viktor Chaushev Steps Down
Sofia Deputy Mayor for Transport and Urban Mobility Viktor Chaushev has stepped down after serving one year in office, prompting Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev to temporarily assume direct leadership of the department. The departure follows the resignation of Construction Deputy Mayor Nikola Лютов just a day prior, compounding administrative changes within the municipal government.
Municipal Leadership Shift in Sofia Transport Directorate
Viktor Chaushev leaves the post after a twelve-month tenure focused on modernizing ground public transport and laying the groundwork for major infrastructure initiatives. According to an official press release from the Sofia Municipality, Mayor Vasil Terziev will personally manage the transport portfolio until a permanent successor is appointed. Terziev acknowledged the demanding nature of the role during a period of complex urban planning.
“Thank you to Viktor for his work during this very intensive year,” Mayor Vasil Terziev stated, as reported by the Sofia Municipality press center. “Transport is one of the most complex and dynamic sectors in the municipality, and much of what has been accomplished in it is not immediately visible.”
Terziev highlighted the advancement of municipal investments, the procurement of European funding, and structural changes aimed at integrating bicycle infrastructure into city planning. The creation of a dedicated bicycle coordinator position and a target program for over 20 kilometers of new and renovated bike lanes through 2027 mark key milestones from Chaushev’s tenure.
Investment Program and European Funding Priorities
The transport portfolio remains central to Sofia’s overarching municipal investment strategy. The Sofia Municipality has secured 265 million euros in European funding for critical transport projects. These funds are slated for rolling stock renewals—including new trams, trolleybuses, electric buses, and standard buses—alongside the modernization of track infrastructure.
The temporary direct oversight by the mayor aims to accelerate the execution of these prepared projects. Coordinating large-scale urban interventions requires close alignment between the transport and construction departments, a task complicated by the simultaneous departure of Construction Deputy Mayor Nikola Лютов.
Reflections on Municipal Governance and Continuity
Reflecting on his departure, Viktor Chaushev expressed confidence in the current direction of municipal management. He stated that his year in office confirmed that Sofia can be effectively administered by individuals dedicated to the city and its residents.
The transport directorate staff continues to manage daily operations and advance technical preparations for ongoing investment initiatives while the search for a new deputy mayor proceeds.