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Iliana Iotova and Andrei Ghiurov are preparing for the decisive second round of Bulgaria’s presidential election after the first round on 25 October. The two candidates have issued contrasting messages to voters. Iotova, who assumed the presidency in January 2026 following the resignation of Rumen Radev, has emphasized peace and voter participation. In a statement quoted by Novinite, she said, “Our message of peace must be heard, and we will focus on this in the coming week.” She warned that political change cannot occur without voter involvement, adding, “It is an illusion to think that change can be achieved without a vote.” Iotova expressed confidence that Bulgaria would prosper in the coming years despite the war in Ukraine and reaffirmed her commitment to being a “president of peace.” She also said she does not want foreign flags displayed in Bulgarian streets and markets. Iotova pledged a fair electoral campaign and stated she does not want Bulgaria to be governed by ad‑hoc political coalitions. She noted that the absence of the GERB party, the country’s second‑largest political force, from the presidential race contributed to low turnout. Turnout in the first round was estimated at about 22.5%. Ghiurov, a former interim prime minister supported by pro‑Western opposition parties, has called for a direct debate with Iotova before the 1 November vote. He proposed that the debate exclude vice‑presidential candidates so that the two presidential aspirants could present their positions directly. “I would like to invite Ms. Iotova to join me in an open, sincere, and civilized debate before Bulgarian citizens,” Ghiurov said. “We will present our positions and visions for how we intend to exercise our duties and how we will act when Bulgaria faces difficult elections.” He said such a debate would allow voters, including those who did not vote in the first round, to make an informed decision. Ghiurov added that his team has not negotiated with party leaders and does not intend to start such discussions before the second round. He said he relies solely on the support of Bulgarian voters and that the country needs a president who can limit the concentration of power and unite society. “Bulgaria is one, and we must not divide ourselves into ‘them’ and ‘us,’” he said. In the first round, Iotova received 34.6% of the vote and Ghiurov 32.7%, according to unofficial results from Alpha Research. Neither candidate achieved the majority required to win outright, so they will face each other again on 1 November for a five‑year term. The candidates differ on the war in Ukraine. Iotova supports a diplomatic solution and opposes expanding military aid, a position shared by Rumen Radev and the Bulgarian government. On 21 October, the Sofia executive decided to stop financing new weapons purchases for Ukraine. Ghiurov, by contrast, supports aid to Kyiv and strengthening cooperation with Western allies. Article source: Mediafax | Image credit: Mediafax
Iliana Iotova and Andrei Ghiurov are preparing for the decisive second round of Bulgaria’s presidential election after the first round on 25 October. The two candidates have issued contrasting messages to voters. Iotova, who assumed the presidency in January 2026 following the resignation of Rumen Radev, has emphasized peace and voter participation. In a statement quoted by Novinite, she said, “Our message of peace must be heard, and we will focus on this in the coming week.” She warned that political change cannot occur without voter involvement, adding, “It is an illusion to think that change can be achieved without a vote.” Iotova expressed confidence that Bulgaria would prosper in the coming years despite the war in Ukraine and reaffirmed her commitment to being a “president of peace.” She also said she does not want foreign flags displayed in Bulgarian streets and markets. Iotova pledged a fair electoral campaign and stated she does not want Bulgaria to be governed by ad‑hoc political coalitions. She noted that the absence of the GERB party, the country’s second‑largest political force, from the presidential race contributed to low turnout. Turnout in the first round was estimated at about 22.5%. Ghiurov, a former interim prime minister supported by pro‑Western opposition parties, has called for a direct debate with Iotova before the 1 November vote. He proposed that the debate exclude vice‑presidential candidates so that the two presidential aspirants could present their positions directly. “I would like to invite Ms. Iotova to join me in an open, sincere, and civilized debate before Bulgarian citizens,” Ghiurov said. “We will present our positions and visions for how we intend to exercise our duties and how we will act when Bulgaria faces difficult elections.” He said such a debate would allow voters, including those who did not vote in the first round, to make an informed decision. Ghiurov added that his team has not negotiated with party leaders and does not intend to start such discussions before the second round. He said he relies solely on the support of Bulgarian voters and that the country needs a president who can limit the concentration of power and unite society. “Bulgaria is one, and we must not divide ourselves into ‘them’ and ‘us,’” he said. In the first round, Iotova received 34.6% of the vote and Ghiurov 32.7%, according to unofficial results from Alpha Research. Neither candidate achieved the majority required to win outright, so they will face each other again on 1 November for a five‑year term. The candidates differ on the war in Ukraine. Iotova supports a diplomatic solution and opposes expanding military aid, a position shared by Rumen Radev and the Bulgarian government. On 21 October, the Sofia executive decided to stop financing new weapons purchases for Ukraine. Ghiurov, by contrast, supports aid to Kyiv and strengthening cooperation with Western allies.
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