Gyurov speaks to CNN as Iotova turns down a second interview request
Iotova's team says she chose to speak to Bulgarian citizens first. On CNN, Gyurov warned of a concentration of power and of risks in the Black Sea.
Archive image · Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Andrey Gyurov gave an interview to CNN's "Quest Means Business" with anchor Paula Newton. He said Bulgaria faces the risk of an excessive concentration of power and that a "counterweight to this government" is needed. He also criticized the cabinet's response to attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea, saying the government reacts hesitantly and coordinates too little with allies.
After the interview, Newton said Iliana Iotova had also been invited but was "not available." On Tuesday it emerged that Iotova had declined a second CNN invitation as well. Her team said she had put the conversation with Bulgarian citizens at the center of her campaign and would present Bulgaria's positions to foreign media if voters gave her their trust.
According to the daily 24 Chasa, as cited by the site Taralej, ten more foreign media outlets, including France's largest television channel, have requested an interview with Iotova. Gyurov's CNN interview aired on Oct. 23.