Bulgaria's 2026 presidential election: parties push for unified candidate

GERB leader Boyko Borisov urged right‑wing parties to unite behind a single presidential contender, saying “Now, if everyone puts forward their own candidate – the elections will inevitably be lost.” He praised newly elected DSB leader Radan Kunev and hinted at a joint venture with Ukraine on the Belene nuclear plant.

BSP former minister Borislav Gutsanov called for the Socialists and President Rumen Radev to back a common candidate, stating “BSP must approach the upcoming presidential vote prudently and seek a common candidate with President Radev.” He also referenced an ongoing investigation into illegal construction near Varna.

The centrist “Continue the Change” (PP) party said it will decide by the end of summer which presidential‑candidate pair to support, rejecting any alliance with GERB. PP’s Asen Vasilev stressed that “the candidate must be a corrective figure ready to point out errors of the authorities.”

These statements reflect a broader scramble among Bulgaria’s main political forces to shape the 2026 presidential race and present a unified front ahead of the vote.