Career
Prior to turning to politics, Petkov received an education in mathematics, studying the subject at the mathematics high school in Pleven and Plovdiv University. He served as mayor of Pleven between 1995 and 1999. Between August 2005 and April 2008, Petkov held the position of Minister of the Interior.
Petkov is married to Galina Ilieva Petkova and they have two sons - Bogdan and Philip.