Iliana Iotova is the first woman in Bulgaria’s history to hold the office of head of state.
Who is Iliana Iotova – journalist, PR professional, BSP politician, Member of the European Parliament, Vice-President and President.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Here are the news headlines for today, 4 February. We begin straight away with the top story: the Consultative Council for National Security has agreed on early parliamentary elections.”
Her journey began at Bulgarian National Television (BNT). When, in the late 1990s, Iliana Iotova reported on the decisions of the Consultative Council for National Security, she could hardly have imagined that nearly 30 years later she would be chairing it as President.
Iliana Iotova, President of the Republic of Bulgaria: “The Consultative Council for National Security discussed the current risks and threats to the maritime security and critical infrastructure of the Republic of Bulgaria.”
Before becoming President, her career took her through the press office of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP). She became an MP and later a Member of the European Parliament.
Iliana Iotova: “My main priorities are related to continuing work on migration and asylum issues, internal security within the EU, and the fight against organised crime, corruption and money laundering, as well as Schengen.”
Ten years ago, she entered the race for the Presidency as Rumen Radev’s running mate. They won against the then opponents Tsetska Tsacheva and Plamen Manushev.
Iliana Iotova, Vice-President of Bulgaria: “We are a different presidential administration – a different presidential ticket, if you will. There are certain stereotypes that have become entrenched over the years, which we have clearly broken.”
Her work focused on the European integration of the Western Balkans and Bulgarian communities abroad.
One of the key moments came towards the end of the first term, when the Prosecutor’s Office entered the Presidency and protests were held in support of the head of state. Iotova stood with him.
Rumen Radev: “We will take Bulgaria back. Out with the thugs!”
A second candidacy and a second victory in a presidential election, this time against Anastas Gerdzhikov and Nevyana Miteva. But Radev did not complete his term. For the first time in Bulgaria’s history, at the beginning of this year the President stepped down, founded a political party, won the election and became Prime Minister, while the Vice-President became President.
Iliana Iotova to Radev as they parted ways outside the Presidency: “We kept the most important promise we made to each other back in 2016 – to work solely in the interests of Bulgarian citizens. You are moving forward, and I will move forward with the same strength, courage and wisdom for our Bulgaria!”
And so came the third race for the Presidency.
– BNT: When will you announce your decision on whether you will run for President?
Iliana Iotova: “Now. Yes, I will run.”
Iotova received the support of 'Progressive Bulgaria', the BSP and VMRO. Kiril Valchev, Director-General of the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), joined her as the Vice-Presidential candidate, while an Initiative Committee formally nominated them as candidates.
Iliana Iotova: “What should the presidential institution be? A place for dialogue and consensus on issues that are far bigger than individual party decisions.”
She called for a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine.
Iliana Iotova: “More weapons and billions poured into the war bring only more casualties and set Orthodox peoples against one another.”
Iotova made the Cyrillic alphabet a cornerstone of cultural policy. She pledged that she would not compromise on her position towards the Republic of North Macedonia. She faced criticism over her decisions to grant pardons and claims that a woman cannot be commander-in-chief.
Iliana Iotova: “Dear friends, this has been the guiding principle of my work throughout my life: whatever it has cost me – courage, strength, boldness, and the love of having my loved ones always by my side.”
And she declared: “For a Bulgaria in safe hands!”
Iliana Iotova: “That is why our motto is ‘For a Bulgaria in safe hands’. Because we love our country very much!”
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