Mihail Konstantinov analyzes Bulgarian presidential election prospects

Professor Mihail Konstantinov has identified three presidential candidate pairs with realistic chances of reaching the Bulgarian runoff election. He noted that current President Iliana Yotova is a certain participant in the second round.

Among the remaining contenders, Konstantinov suggested the Gyurov–Kandev pair currently holds higher prospects, though the Kostadinov–Valgin pair could also potentially qualify for the runoff. He also highlighted the candidacy of Ivaylo Simeonov, the mayor of Elin Pelin, noting his policies regarding birth rate encouragement.

Konstantinov attributed the record number of presidential candidates to financial incentives, stating that each pair receives 20,000 euros in media packages. He estimated this represents a total of approximately 15 million euros being allocated to various television stations for information or advertising. Additionally, he warned that small, unforeseen events, which he termed ‘small black swans,’ could potentially alter the current political landscape before the elections.