site.btaIn First Interview as Head of State, Iliana Iotova Speaks on Plans to Run for Full Term as President, New Cabinet, Election Code Revisions Veto, Global Issues

On Friday morning, President Iliana Iotova sat down for what was her first interview as head of State on the morning programme of bTV. It was a wide-ranging interview in which she took questions about her plans to run for a full term as President, her expectations about the newly formed caretaker Cabinet, her veto on Election Code revisions concerning overseas voting in Bulgarian elections, and mounting tensions in the Middle East.

Presidential elections

Iliana Iotova said she will decide whether to run for a new term after the snap parliamentary elections on April 19. She said: "I make no secret of the fact that I have received proposals from various public figures, groups, and parties to participate in the next presidential elections. Whether I will, I will decide only if I see that I have done my job, if the assessment of my work is good, and if I see that I have the trust of the people."

Veto of Election Code amendments, elections and voter engagement

President Iotova said she vetoed amendments to the Election Code that limit the number of voting sections outside the European Union to 20, as no one was able to give her “a satisfactory explanation as to why the number must be set at exactly 20”. “I heard many contradictory and unconvincing explanations,” she said. She said that her decision was not made hastily, but was taken after discussions with the authors of the amendments.

Looking ahead to upcoming elections, Iotova emphasized the importance of high voter turnout and restoring confidence in institutions. She said the legitimacy of the next government depends on citizens’ active participation and the caretaker cabinet’s ability to ensure fair and transparent elections, including preventing vote-buying and political pressure. “If they demonstrate a serious commitment to calm, well-organized, impartial elections, this will itself serve as a catalyst for voter engagement,” she added.

Euro adoption referendum initiative

President Iotova said an initiative for a referendum on the euro adoption by Bulgaria was driven by conflicting assessments from national institutions and European partners about Bulgaria’s readiness to join the eurozone. She pointed to sharply different evaluations voiced within a short period - from claims that Bulgaria failed to meet the criteria and had a serious budget deficit to a subsequent positive convergence assessment and approval from the European Commission - raising questions about the accuracy of national data or their interpretation. She stressed that the issue is not the euro itself, but whether the country is sufficiently prepared, arguing that Bulgaria’s transition has been rushed compared with other states.

Call for decisive action on socio-economic issues

President Iotova urged the caretaker government to take concrete measures to address Bulgaria’s pressing socio-economic challenges, including high electricity prices, inflation, and rising service costs. She stressed that institutions must do more than issue apologies or conduct inspections - they need to protect citizens, especially the most vulnerable. Iotova also highlighted the importance of using the 2025 budget and financial framework for social protection, targeting low-income groups and pensioners.

Concerns over politicization of caretaker government

The President voiced concern that recent constitutional changes that give the head of State little discretion in the process of approving the caretaker prime minister and ministers, increase the risk of party influence and could undermine public trust in the administration.

Protests and the call for transparent governance

Commenting on large-scale protests in November and December 2025, Iotova noted that hundreds of thousands of citizens expressed dissatisfaction with previous governments and demanded a change in the political model. She said this sentiment underscores the need for more transparent, accountable, and dialog-driven governance.

US aircraft in Sofia

Iotova said that her team received formal notification from the Ministry of Defence that US Air Force aircraft currently stationed at Sofia Airport are present to support a planned military exercise, President Iliana Iotova said on Friday. She voiced concern over what she described as poor communication between state institutions and said it was inappropriate for the presidency to be informed through what she called a “cursory letter,” adding that there are established councils and bodies where such matters should be discussed. She stressed that the lack of coordination had left the media speculating about developments that affect national security.

Middle East tensions

Commenting more broadly on international developments, Iotova said signals coming from Geneva regarding negotiations in the Middle East were “deeply worrying,” noting that talks were proving extremely difficult and that no agreement had been reached. She expressed hope that the situation would not escalate into a new conflict.

Meeting of Consultative Council on National Security over Iran

Asked whether she would convene Bulgaria’s Consultative Council on National Security in light of the regional tensions, Iotova said she would first propose that the caretaker Prime Minister convene the Security Council with the Council of Ministers. If the outcome were unsatisfactory, she would then consider calling the Consultative Council on National Security.