As the presidential elections in Bulgaria approach, the political landscape is beginning to rearrange itself. The candidacies have not yet been officially announced, but analysts are already outlining the key dependencies and possible scenarios. Political scientists Tsvetanka Andreeva and Georgi Kiryakov commented on the air of "Your Day" on NOVA NEWS on the first signs of the upcoming battle for the presidency.
Current President Rumen Radev cannot run again, and according to Kiryakov, the nomination process has already slowed down.
„It is important to see who the main figures will be and whether they will not be the first to be politically targeted”, he commented.
Kiryakov also draws attention to an intriguing possibility - a proposal from the Bulgarian Socialist Party of Iliana Yotova for president. „This would be a double-edged sword, because they may want to remove it from the political game and act in favor of another candidate", he pointed out.
According to him, there is tension between the BSP and the presidential institution that has been simmering for a long time.
Who the GERB candidate will be and whether he will be nominated in a coalition with the MRF will be decisive for the entire presidential race, Kiryakov is categorical. According to him, if the two parties play together in the first round, this may predetermine not only the position of the PP-DB, but also the entire structure of the future government. “If GERB chooses collaboration with the MRF and nominates a joint candidate, it is unlikely that the PP-DB will support such a candidacy", the expert predicts.
Tsvetanka Andreeva outlined an interesting possible move – a new presidential project with a Eurosceptic tone would be formed around Radev. According to her, a potential candidate from this round "will absorb his manner".
She does not rule out the possibility that the PP-DB may also seek partnership with a similar project. "Radev will need their support, especially from "We Continue the Change", if he wants to ensure political sustainability of his new project," Andreeva believes.
Political scientists referred to sociological surveys that indicate the strong position of "DPS-New Beginning" in power. In their words, their participation in the presidential elections will be key.