Kiril Valchev criticizes opponent Georgi Kandev over campaign conduct

Vice presidential candidate Kiril Valchev has criticized his opponent, Georgi Kandev, following a social media video showing a physical encounter between the two during their election tours. Valchev stated that the campaign should focus on ideas and the responsibilities of the vice presidency rather than behaving like a ‘Canadian wrestling tournament.’

The tension arose after Kandev shook Valchev’s hand with the words, ‘Hold on tight! Ha, like that!’ Valchev used the incident to question Kandev’s absence from a recent BNT-organized debate, which included all vice presidential candidates. Kandev had argued that debating before the primary candidates Gyurov and Yotova would be ‘absurd.’

While Valchev expressed readiness for a debate, he noted that the decision regarding a potential second round of elections rests with the Bulgarian voters. Candidate Iliana Yotova has confirmed her participation in a BNT debate scheduled between the two election rounds.