Iotova and Gurov clash over presidency's role in only TV debate before runoff
In the only debate before Bulgaria's runoff, Gurov likened the presidency to a piano nobody plays, while Iotova said it was well tuned. The two also clashed over party backing.
Archive image · Photo: Bulgarian Presidency / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5 bg (cropped and resized)
The only nationwide debate between President Iliana Iotova and former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov began at 9 p.m. local time (2000 CET) on Bulgarian National Television, moderated by Poli Zlatareva. Gurov likened the presidency to a piano in a living room that people walk around but nobody plays. He said the president must act as a counterweight when one party controls both parliament and the government. Iotova picked up the image, saying the institution had been "a very well-tuned piano" since 2017, playing the melodies people expect.
Iotova listed Progressive Bulgaria, the BSP, VMRO and NDSV among her backers and said some of Gurov's supporters had sought official support from DPS-New Beginning. Gurov denied it, saying his side had "never sought support from party headquarters." He said his committee included no party politicians and no representatives of the former State Security, in a jab at Iotova's camp.
Gurov blamed low turnout on a campaign that frightened voters with war and invented enemies, saying Bulgaria "can and deserves much more." Both urged people to vote in Sunday's runoff. In the first round, Iotova won 34.76% and Gurov 31.95%.