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Bulgarian 2026 presidential race updates

Updated 28 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-13 14:09 UTC → 2026-09-14 02:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The 2026 Bulgarian presidential contest has intensified as candidates formalize their runs and party endorsements solidify. Incumbent President Iliana Jotova, who officially announced her candidacy, maintains a strong position. A Global Metric poll conducted in early July indicates she leads with approximately 50% support, benefiting from broad appeal across various political bases, including 84% of the BSP-United Left coalition and 78% of Progressive Bulgaria supporters. Political endorsements have coalesced around Jotova. The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) has officially endorsed her following a unanimous decision by the party’s National Council. To support her campaign, the BSP is establishing a national election headquarters and strengthening its Executive Bureau. BSP Chairman Krum Zarkov stated that the party has formed a contact group to coordinate with Jotova’s team, noting that the party trusts her experience to select a balanced vice-presidential candidate. In response to the endorsement, Jotova described the decision as both a “significant political act and an exceptional personal responsibility.” On September 3, Jotova officially named Kiril Valchev, the Director General of the Bulgarian News Agency (BNA), as her vice-presidential running mate. Following internal divisions, the GERB party decided on September 8 not to nominate candidates for the October 25, 2026, elections. On September 12, Krum Zarkov, who also serves as co-chairman of Jotova’s initiative committee, denied any formal agreement with GERB to support her candidacy, though he noted the committee includes diverse figures. Political analyst Petar Cholakov observed that the presence of GERB-linked figures in her committee appears to be an attempt to attract right-wing voters. Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev defended GERB’s position, stating that the party remains a “desirable partner for all political actors” and suggesting that behind-the-scenes negotiations are occurring among various factions.

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