At a time when the political conversation in Bulgaria often moves between extremes, a different tone stands out in the capital's 23rd MIR - more moderate, more pragmatic and focused on the specific problems of the people. Two young candidates from the list of “BSP - United Left“ - Filip Stoychev and Georgi Angelov - offer exactly such an approach: away from slogans, closer to reality.
And although they talk about different topics - foreign policy and economy - There is a clear connection between their positions - the idea that Bulgaria should act wisely, balancedly and in defense of its own interest.
Stoychev emphasizes the big picture - the country's place in an increasingly unstable world. “The world is living in a period of severe conflicts, division and deepening international instability“, he notes and warns that “small states cannot afford a foreign policy based on extremes, emotions or foreign suggestions“. According to him, Bulgaria should be “a voice for peace, for negotiations and for the restoration of normality in international relations“.
This call for balance does not mean a rejection of alliances, but rather their mature understanding. “Bulgaria is part of the European Union and NATO and this is a strategic framework that is beyond doubt. But a mature political approach does not require you to interrupt your ability to talk to the rest of the world“, he emphasizes, outlining a vision for a country that simultaneously upholds its positions in the EU and NATO and maintains pragmatic relations with global factors.
This foreign policy line, according to Stoychev, has a direct impact on people's everyday lives. “Every international crisis very quickly turns into a domestic problem for Bulgarian families – through more expensive electricity, more expensive fuel, more expensive food”, he writes, establishing a logical connection between diplomacy and the standard of living.
It is from this point that Georgi Angelov's analysis begins – but now from the perspective of the consumer. “People do not live in statistics. "They live in the store and in the restaurant," he says, describing inflation not as an abstract percentage, but as a "direct blow to the standard of living."
The data he cites are concrete: 3.5% annual inflation as of January 2026 and over 40% accumulated appreciation in five years. But more important, according to him, is the feeling of injustice. "When you don't see how the price is formed, when a few players dictate the market... then speculation becomes a business model."
If for Stoychev the key word is "diplomacy," for Angelov it is "rules." The solutions he proposes are aimed at restoring trust in the market: full transparency with dual price labeling, public monitoring of basic foods, real control with sanctions that "exceed the profit from the violation", and active fight against cartels.
He pays particular attention to the upcoming introduction of the euro: "The euro does not make prices higher. But it provides a convenient moment for 'rounding up'. And if the state does not act, this 'rounding up' remains forever in the consumer's pocket."
More broadly, Angelov also goes beyond domestic politics and seeks solutions at the regional level - an idea that curiously corresponds with Stoychev's vision of an active external role for Bulgaria. “The Balkans are not just geography – "they are an economic opportunity," he writes, outlining the prospect of a market of nearly 140 million people, capable of "negotiating on an equal footing with world players."
Thus, although they start from different directions, the two candidates arrive at a similar thesis - Bulgaria should not be a passive participant - neither in international politics nor in the economy. The state, in their opinion, should be an active factor - but not an aggressive one, but a reasonable one.
"A policy that does not destroy bridges, but opens up opportunities," as Stoychev formulates.
And "a state that is a reasonable arbitrator and strategic investor," as Angelov adds.
In the context of the upcoming elections, this type of speech - more expert than sloganeering - remains less common. But it is in him that many are looking for an answer to the accumulated feeling of instability - both abroad and at home.
Georgi Angelov appears at number 105 on the list of “BSP - United Left“, and Filip Stoychev has preference 109. BSP - OL appears in these elections at number 5 on the ballot.