Political parties and opposition figures in Bulgaria commented on the outcome of the October 25 presidential election on Monday, addressing the results of the first round, the candidates heading to the November 1 runoff, and Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s remarks ahead of the vote.
The ticket of Movement for a New Bulgaria (MECh) leader Radostin Vasilev and Krasimir Manov received 4.6% of the vote, according to 100% of tally sheets processed. Vasilev described the result as evidence of “stability and growth” and advised his supporters not to vote for Iotova, suggesting they either back Gurov or abstain. He also argued that Iotova’s defeat would lead to early parliamentary elections.
The Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) said it was ready to meet either ticket in the runoff if asked for support. Both candidates would be invited to present their positions, but any decision would rest with the party’s National Council. The UDF criticized the campaign for attacks, compromising material and insulting language, and said that its earlier proposal for the democratic community to unite behind a single right-wing candidate had been ignored.
Democrats for Strong Bulgaria leader Radan Kanev argued that the first round showed there was no nostalgic, anti-European majority in Bulgaria. He criticized Radev’s remarks portraying the runoff as a choice between peace and war, democracy and corruption, and truth and online “trolls”. Kanev said Gurov had run a moderate, unifying campaign focused on security and the economy, attracting support beyond the parties backing him.
Yes, Bulgaria Co-Chair Ivaylo Mirchev also criticized Radev’s response, saying it exposed weaknesses in Iotova’s campaign and failed to offer convincing arguments about her qualifications or record. He questioned her independence and political vision, and challenged her warning that Bulgarian soldiers would not be sent to Ukraine, saying that Parliament had already declared in February 2025 that Bulgarian armed forces would not participate in military operations on Ukrainian territory. Mirchev called on voters to support Gurov in the runoff.
Democratic Bulgaria Deputy Floor Leader Bozhidar Bozhanov accused the government of violating the Election Code by using official channels for election campaigning and urged the Central Election Commission to rule on the matter. He also criticized the government’s plan to present the 2027 state budget after the October 31 legal deadline, arguing that it was being withheld until after the runoff to avoid discouraging voters. Bozhanov rejected Radev’s framing of the election as a choice between peace and war, saying that scaremongering would not succeed.
Continue the Change leader Assen Vassilev likewise accused Radev of frightening voters with the prospect of war and questioned the government’s ability to protect Bulgaria’s borders. He argued that the decline in support for Progressive Bulgaria explained Radev’s repeated attacks on political “assemblages”. Vassilev also criticized the expected delay in submitting the 2027 state budget bill to Parliament, warning that it could breach the Public Finance Act. He said the proposed budget would leave citizens poorer in real terms, as incomes would rise by less than inflation, while the deficit would remain difficult to keep below 3%. Vassilev said Gurov had done the most important thing by asking citizens directly for their support, adding that the president should be elected by voters rather than through deals struck at party headquarters.
Bulgarian Parties React to First Round of Presidential Election 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-10-26 19:10:36
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BULGARIA NEWS – NEWS AGENCY 2009–2026 2026-10-26 19:10:36