Borissov’s GERB will not nominate a candidate in Bulgaria’s 2026 presidential elections – official
The executive committee of Boiko Borissov’s GERB party will not nominate a candidate in Bulgaria’s autumn 2026 presidential elections, the party said in a statement on September 8
The committee’s motives largely overlap with those expressed in recent days by Borissov, the statement said.
“I am wiser and more far-sighted than those who are currently speaking. If GERB nominates a candidate who is pro-European, it will not only divide the votes, but the battle will be between us. This will be the greatest service we will do to Yotova – to nominate a candidate,” Borissov said at the weekend, referring to President Iliana Yotova, who is seeking election as head of state in the autumn vote.
Borissov said that that of the main political forces represented in Parliament has nominated a party presidential candidate.
“Our political opponents are not nominating their own candidates. You helpfully overlook the fact that the others have no candidates. And everyone criticises GERB for not nominating a candidate,” he said.
“The time when party leaders were chosen as candidates has passed. Political parties, in their battles with each other, have made parties a dirty word. That’s why everyone is now hiding behind initiative committees, if they can gather support through them.”
Borissov was also adamant that his party would not provide unsolicited support:
“We will not give unsolicited support to anyone. I am a believer and no good deed goes unpunished. Unsolicited support is not given, let everyone decide for themselves whether they need it.”
Borissov said that the initiative committee supporting Yotova also includes people associated with his party.
He also addressed the “democratic part” of the voters, highlighting the role of GERB in Bulgaria’s accession to Schengen and the euro zone, as well as the country’s participation in European processes.
Borissov also commented on Andrei Gyurov, who is backed by We Continue the Change and Democratic Bulgaria, stating that in his opinion, political leaders “should have more weight with the voters”.
Bulgarians go to the polls in regular presidential elections on October 25. Should no candidate win more than 50 per cent on that date, a second round will be held on November 1 between the candidates with the two largest shares of votes.
