Rumen Radev backs Ilya Yotova for Bulgaria's 2026 presidential election

President Rumen Radev announced that his party Progressive Bulgaria will support Ilya Yotova as its candidate in the 2026 Bulgarian presidential election. The declaration was made at a press conference following Yotova's earlier statement that she will run for president.

Vice‑Premier Ivo Hristov later indicated that the government already has a candidate in mind for the vice‑presidential slot and reiterated his backing of Yotova. He also highlighted the recent adoption of the 2026 state budget after months of political deadlock, noting its importance for maintaining the country's stability ahead of the vote.