Until 1944, the mayor (with the official title of "Chairman of the City Administrative Council") was appointed through a Tsar's decree after a candidate was suggested by the Minister of Internal Affairs. After that date, the mayor (officially "Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Sofia City (later Capital) People's Council") was formally chosen by the municipal councilors, albeit after being specified by the Bulgarian Communist Party management.
Before 1944, the mayor was appointed by a Tsar's decree and then selected by the Minister of Internal Affairs. After 1944, the mayor was formally elected by the Sofia City Council, but only after being chosen by the Bulgarian Communist Party.