Iliana Iotova and Andrey Gyurov clashed over a ten-year security agreement signed with Ukraine and the controversial Botas natural gas contract during their presidential runoff debate broadcast by Bulgarian National Television (BNT). The televised debate, moderated by Polina Zlatareva, brought the two candidates face-to-face before the runoff on Sunday, November 1, following a first round where Iotova secured a lead of 42,719 valid votes over Gyurov.
Clashing Over the Ukrainian Framework Agreement
The central confrontation erupted over a framework agreement signed in Kyiv by Gyurov in his capacity as caretaker prime minister. Iotova accused her opponent of signing a ten-year pact with Ukraine without a mandate from the National Assembly, asserting that she would not have done so without consulting other state institutions and citizens. Gyurov countered that the document is a framework agreement, on the basis of which contracts can be signed that must be approved by parliament. He was categorical that there is no way for Bulgarian soldiers to be sent to Ukraine, adding that the document opens the door to Bulgaria’s participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine. Iotova sharply retorted: There is no such thing in this document.
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The debate over the pact also drew in the vice-presidential candidates. Kiril Vylchev, running alongside Iotova, stated that the text mentions the words “war” and “military” 44 times while mentioning “peace” only 11 times, noting that the document commits Bulgaria to the activities of the “Coalition of the Willing.” Vylchev stated before voters in Pazardzhik: Furthermore: there is no idea what the vice president does.
Vylchev also pointed to the need for a President, who insists on the participation of the European Union in the peace negotiations in Ukraine, with the strong voice of Bulgaria
. Gyurov dismissed these criticisms, maintaining that his campaign is open and direct.
Disputing the Botas Energy Contract
The discussion shifted to domestic energy policy when Gyurov pressed Iotova on the lack of benefits from the agreement with the Turkish energy company Botas. Iotova responded that the contract was a decision of a caretaker government and was concluded because former Prime Minister Kiril Petkov and his colleague Assen Vassilev cut off natural gas supplies from Russia overnight. Gyurov criticized Iotova’s political trajectory, while Iotova targeted what she termed the shameful “house book” procedure.
The electoral process also involved a canceled debate between the vice-presidential contenders. Candidate for vice-president Georgi Kandev declined an invitation from Vylchev to face off on BNT, prompting Vylchev to accuse Kandev of fearing a debate due to a lack of policy ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Bulgarian presidential runoff take place?
The runoff election between Iliana Iotova and Andrey Gyurov is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, following the first round where Iotova led by 42,719 valid votes.
Who moderated the BNT presidential debate?
The debate between the two candidates was organized by the Bulgarian National Television and moderated by Polina Zlatareva.
What specific document signed in Kyiv drew criticism during the debate?
Critics focused on a ten-year bilateral security framework agreement signed in Kyiv by Andrey Gyurov during his tenure as caretaker prime minister, which opponents argued lacked a mandate from the National Assembly.
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