Bulgaria schedules presidential vote for October 25

Bulgaria’s Parliament has fixed 25 October as the date for the next presidential election. The presidency is largely ceremonial, with most executive authority residing with the prime minister and parliament, but the president commands the armed forces, can veto legislation and sign treaties.

The governing centre‑left Progressive Bulgarian party, led by Prime Minister Rumen Radev, has endorsed incumbent President Iliana Yotova. Radev, who served two terms as president before becoming prime minister after his party’s landslide victory in the April parliamentary election, backs Yotova, who spent nine years as his vice‑president. The election will test whether Radev’s party can retain control of both the presidency and the government.

Presidents are elected directly for a five‑year term and may serve a maximum of two terms. A candidate must obtain a majority of votes; if no one does, a runoff is scheduled for 1 November.