Bulgaria’s candidate for the European Commission has withdrawn her nomination to join the executive, amid questions about her business dealings and her husband’s alleged links with organised crime.

Rumiana Jeleva also resigned as Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister.

She was grilled about her suitability as a Commissioner last week.

She was trying to become commissioner for humanitarian aid, but she struggled to convince the European Parliament of her ability to do the job.

Bulgaria has nominated Kristalina Georgieva from the World Bank as its new candidate.

The vote to approve the new commission, which had been scheduled for next week, has been put back.

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