Iliana Yotova defends tenure with Rumen Radev

Bulgarian Presidential Runoff Nears as Yotova Defends Record and Faces Right-Wing Endorsement for Gyorov

Bulgarian presidential candidate Iliana Yotova stated that she expects support directly from Bulgarian citizens rather than manufactured political intrigue as the campaign enters its final stretch before the November 1 runoff election, btvnovinite.bg reported. Yotova defended her nearly decade-long tenure working alongside incumbent President Rumen Radev, characterizing that partnership as one of the best periods of her political career. Her remarks come as GERB leader Boyko Borisov joined a broad political forum supporting rival candidate Andrey Gyorov and his running mate Georgi Kandev.

Borisov Joins Broad Political Endorsement for Gyorov

The political forum backing Andrey Gyorov and Georgi Kandev expanded significantly when GERB leader Boyko Borisov added his signature to an official public appeal, nova.bg reported. The declaration urges voters to unite behind Gyorov, framing the election as a crucial choice for national security and Euro-Atlantic alignment. Diplomat Iliyan Vasiliev issued a statement via Facebook emphasizing that national security must supersede party divisions, criticizing both Yotova and Radev for allegedly echoing positions that contrast with European Union and NATO assessments regarding the war in Ukraine. In contrast, Emmanuil Manolov, mayor of Avren municipality and a GERB member since the party’s founding, publicly announced he will cast his ballot for Yotova, stating that state governance must project authority rather than what he termed political trickery, according to barometar.bg.

Yotova Rejects Subordination Claims and Addresses Security Priorities

Addressing suggestions that her long association with Rumen Radev places her in a subordinate role, Yotova rejected what she termed a recycled political talking point, emphasizing their synchronous work on behalf of Bulgaria through difficult moments. On the matter of national defense and foreign policy, Yotova stated that Bulgaria’s immediate priority must be Black Sea security, proposing a security guarantee forum involving all six littoral states. She added that Bulgaria is already integrated into NATO’s anti-drone defense architecture and stressed that any potential diplomatic engagement with Russian leadership should be coordinated strictly through national institutions such as the National Assembly rather than individual political overtures.

Vessel Director Kiril Vulchev Encourages High Voter Turnout

Vice presidential candidate Kiril Vulchev urged citizens to participate actively in the upcoming runoff, which coincides with Bulgaria’s Day of the National Awakeners. Vulchev expressed confidence in high voter engagement, telling btvnovinite.bg that voters should demonstrate civic responsibility regardless of weather conditions. When questioned about his current role as Director General of the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), Vulchev explained that if elected, the National Assembly would formally release him from his administrative post, though he acknowledged that leaving the agency would bring personal regret.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Bulgarian presidential runoff election?

The runoff election is scheduled for November 1, with candidates Iliana Yotova and Andrey Gyorov competing for the presidency.

Who signed the public appeal supporting Andrey Gyorov?

The public appeal was signed by prominent political figures including GERB leader Boyko Borisov, former Prime Minister Ivan Kostov, former President Rosen Plevneliev, and Sofia Mayor Vasilier Terziev, alongside various diplomats and reserve military officers, as reported by nova.bg.

What is Iliana Yotova’s position on Black Sea security?

Yotova proposed establishing a dedicated security guarantee forum involving all six Black Sea littoral nations and noted that Bulgaria is already incorporated into NATO’s anti-drone system.

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