In brief
At a campaign meeting in Pazardzhik, Iliana Iotova pledged that if elected president she would keep Bulgarian armed forces from participating in the war in Ukraine and would push for immediate diplomatic negotiations, while also stressing the importance of preserving national culture and security within the European Union.
In the southern Bulgarian city of Pazardzhik, presidential candidate Iliana Iotova and her running mate Kiril Valchev met with voters on Wednesday. The audience, largely local residents and supporters of the Moderate Party, listened as Iotova outlined a platform that places peace and national security at the forefront of her agenda.
Iotova said that if elected president, she would never allow Bulgarian armed forces to leave for Ukraine. She framed this pledge as part of a larger strategy to keep the country away from a conflict that she described as “irreparably damaging” to the European peace framework. The candidate also called for “immediate negotiations” to resolve the crisis in Ukraine and urged stronger international coordination to stop hostilities in the Black Sea, including the sinking of ships and drone attacks.
Beyond the immediate conflict, Iotova emphasized the need for geopolitical stability and a balanced foreign policy. She argued that the security architecture of the European Union, and Europe as a whole, depends on general peace, and that Bulgaria’s role within that architecture should be driven by diplomatic engagement rather than military entanglement.
A substantial portion of her address focused on domestic priorities. Iotova stated that a key task for society must be to support Bulgarian education, culture, and folklore in order to build a sustainable value system among young people. She claimed that strengthening national identity would help children develop “strong roots” that could protect them in the face of “storms.”
Unlike those who say these are relics of the past, our view is that this patriotism is needed precisely now so that our children can have strong roots, and whatever may happen to them – no matter what storms may befall them – these roots will protect them and give them the self‑confidence of being heirs to a country exceptionally rich in culture and history.
Following the speech, Iotova’s campaign team distributed handouts that summarized her three main pillars: preventing Bulgarian troops from fighting abroad, pursuing diplomatic solutions to the Ukrainian crisis, and investing in cultural and educational projects at home. The handouts also listed her stance on local infrastructure improvements and on maintaining a balanced budget that would not burden future generations.
Observers noted that Iotova’s platform deviates from some other candidates who have suggested a more active military role in Ukraine. While the European Parliament has called for a unified response from member states, Iotova’s position may appeal to voters who are wary of international entanglements after recent crises in the Black Sea region.
The campaign choice to hold the meeting in Pazardzhik, a city that has long been a center for agricultural trade, was intended to signal her commitment to grassroots engagement. Local news outlets reported that the venue was filled with families, students, and small business owners, all eager to hear about how Iotova intended to safeguard their communities and the cultural heritage they value.
After the rally, Iotova discussed her proposals with several local leaders, including the mayor of Pazardzhik. The mayor praised her emphasis on “national identity” and expressed interest in her plans to support local schools and cultural festivals. Iotova promised that any funding would be directed largely toward youth programs and regional cultural institutions.
According to the BTA report, Iotova’s message is striking in its clarity on international policy, yet it leaves many practical questions unanswered, such as how she plans to enforce a no‑deployment policy and what specific diplomatic channels she will pursue. Critics argue that a strict stance might limit Bulgaria’s ability to contribute to collective security efforts within NATO and the EU.
Nevertheless, the meeting in Pazardzhik solidified Iotova’s image as a candidate focused on stable, culturally grounded governance. Her pledge to keep troops at home, coupled with a push for peace talks, marks the record she will carry into upcoming debates and the national primaries that will decide who will represent Bulgaria on the international stage.
