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Yotova 2026 Campaign, Budget Scrutiny, US Tanker Debate

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2026-07-26 14:30 UTC → 2026-07-26 18:32 UTC · added removed

President Iliana Yotova announced on 24 July 2026 that she will run for the Bulgarian presidency in contest the autumn election, presenting her candidacy presidential election through an independent initiative committee and committee, leaving the vice‑presidential slot open. She highlighted open and emphasizing grassroots backing, recalling callers in shops urging, “Mrs President, don’t give up,” to stress the importance of ordinary citizens’ support. GERB deputy and former foreign minister Georg Georgiev repeated that reiterated the party will stick party’s intention to follow the election‑law timetable, announcing its own presidential‑vice‑presidential pair in September and not rushing because of Yotova’s move. while GERB leader Boyko Borisov praised Yotova as a strong, experienced candidate and hinted at a broad centre‑right‑centre‑left coalition. candidate. Former economy minister Rumen Ovcharov called her “the the only realistic candidature.” Opposition voices, including candidature, and DSB head Radan Kanev, Kanev warned that her election victory could further concentrate power. The announcement intensified debate over the newly budget approved for 2026 state budget, which opposition parties label has been labelled a “catastrophe.” “catastrophe” by opposition parties. A petition led by Continue the Change’s Asen Vasilev gathered over 17,000 signatures demanding a presidential veto and calling for stronger family support, higher medical salaries, and greater transparency. Yotova said the budget will be examined but indicated no immediate intention to use a veto at this stage. veto. On foreign policy, Yotova defended defence matters, the temporary stationing of government confirmed that up to eight U.S. tanker aircraft will be stationed at Bezmer air base, stating airbase from 24 July to 1 October under the 2006 U.S.–Bulgaria defence agreement, a deployment approved by parliament. Yotova stressed that Bulgaria is not a party to the Middle‑East conflict and that the deployment complies with its airspace remains under national law. She control. Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov publicly supported Yotova, calling her an “excellent politician,” while Progressive Bulgaria’s Georgi Georgiev and Anton Kutev said the party would consider backing her. Yotova noted that a Consultative Council on National Security could be convened if the regional situation worsens, deteriorates, and parliamentary discussion on the issue tanker deployment continues.

Versions

  1. 2026-07-26 18:32 UTC Yotova 2026 Campaign, Budget Scrutiny, US Tanker Debate
  2. 2026-07-26 14:30 UTC Yotova 2026 Campaign, Budget Scrutiny, US Tanker Debate
  3. 2026-07-26 14:29 UTC Yotova 2026 Campaign, Budget Scrutiny, US Tanker Debate
  4. 2026-07-26 08:57 UTC Yotova 2026 Campaign, Budget Scrutiny, US Tanker Debate

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