he institution of President of the Republic has a relatively recent history and is associated with Bulgaria’s transition to democracy and with the new structuring of institutions within the context of this transition. The presidential institution in Bulgaria came into being upon the adoption of the country’s new Constitution on 12 July 1991. The establishment of a republic with a parliamentary system of government was accordingly accompanied by introduction of the institution of President of the Republic as head of State. The President, as head of State is traditionally Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.