Political Reactions After Radev, Who Heads 'Progressive Bulgaria', Said the Party’s Coalition Partners Would Support Iotova’s Candidacy in the Presidential Elections

The issue of the presidential election has also drawn reactions from other political formations. The co-chair of “Yes, Bulgaria” wrote on Facebook that Prime Minister Rumen Radev was backing Iliiana Iotova as his political continuation rather than as an independent presidential candidate.

• PM Rumen Radev: 'Progressive Bulgaria' Will Support Iliana Iotova's Candidacy for President

Even before it became clear that “Progressive Bulgaria” would support Iliana Iotova, GERB reiterated its position that failing to have a common right-wing candidate would be a mistake. Meanwhile, We Continue the Change would support Andrey Gyurov if he puts himself forward as a candidate for head of state, Nikolay Denkov said on 'More from the Day' programme on July 28.

Vladislav Goranov, a member of parliament from the GERB-UDF parliamentary group: “If any of the parties insists on a specific candidate—one with a party affiliation—the likelihood of us prevailing over Iotova’s candidacy is negligible. The right-wing forces could win only if they support a single candidate. Daniel Valchev has been discussed for years as a potential candidate, and personally, if he were to run for President, I would vote for him; but if you’re asking whether GERB will field a party-backed candidate—the answer is most likely no.”

• Rumen Radev: The Vice President Must Uphold the Unity of the Presidential Institution

Nikolay Denkov, MP from the WE Continue the Change parliamentary group: “There is no surprise regarding Mrs Yotova. It is obvious that this was agreed in advance. We are moving forward together with Democratic Bulgaria and together with the Forum for Democratic Action. We will put forward a common candidate, whoever that may be, but they first need to declare their candidacy.”

BNT: “Will it be Andrey Gyurov?”

Nikolay Denkov: “I have said many times that we have a very positive attitude towards Andrey Gyurov. He performed very well as caretaker Prime Minister, so if he puts himself forward, it is very possible that we would support him.”