Campaign: Iotova on poverty in Vratsa, Gyurov on checks on power in Pleven

President Iliana Iotova, who is running for a new term, called in Vratsa for the next state budget to focus on the people in greatest need. According to her remarks as reported by the BTA news agency, around 30% of Bulgarians live in poverty, and reducing it is a national priority. The presidential administration is working with the government and experts on solutions before the budget is adopted, Iotova said, naming road infrastructure in north-western Bulgaria as a first step towards developing the region.

Iotova described the situation in the Black Sea as worrying and dangerous and called for more aerial and satellite surveillance as well as counter-drone systems. Bulgaria needs a strong voice of its own for peace on the international stage, she said, adding that she wants to be a president for peace. She also called for political unity, more dialogue and consensus.

Candidate Andrey Gyurov told supporters in Pleven that the president must act as a balancer and a check on power – backing the government when it performs well and firmly opposing wrong decisions by the majority. With ships hit by drones sinking close to Bulgaria's shores, the government must take responsibility for security and provide information instead of silence, he said. The presidential election is on 25 October; in a Trend poll from early October, the Iotova–Valchev ticket led with 47.8% ahead of Gyurov–Kandev with 24.6%.