Ivelin Mihaylov Linked His Presidential Candidacy to Criticism of the Government

On Eurocom's “Delnitsi” program, Ivelin Mihaylov joins host Nikolay Kolev to explain his reasons for running for president. He links his candidacy to Velichie's work in Parliament and to allegations of electoral manipulation, entrenched interests within the government, security problems, and the controversy surrounding Historical Park.

The Parliamentary Journey and Reasons for His Candidacy

Mihaylov recalls Velichie's participation in the 50th National Assembly alongside "Colonel" Nikolay Markov. According to him, the party promised to expose what was happening within the government and continued to uphold that commitment after its parliamentary group split.

He points to challenges against election results, protests outside Boyko Borisov's home, and a motorcade of approximately 300 cars, trucks, and buses to Brussels. Mihaylov claims that Velichie demanded the annulment of elections and defended citizens and businesses against pressure. His candidacy continues this struggle because, in his view, Rumen Radev failed to fulfill his promises to eliminate the oligarchy and improve conditions for development.

Electoral Strategy and the Candidates

According to Mihaylov, the presidential campaign revolves around Iliana Iotova, Andrey Gyurov, and Kostadin Kostadinov, with voters being steered toward Iotova through fear of political extremes. He claims that governing and opposition parties are following a common script, despite publicly taking opposing positions.

Mihaylov disputes opinion polls and compares the reported support for Iotova with attendance at her events: according to him, the halls are empty, yet she is credited with 46.7% support, while Velichie is given approximately 4%. He describes Gyurov and Kostadinov as opposing poles that sustain political confrontation and criticizes messages concerning NATO's Article 4 or 5, which he believes exploit fears of war.

Allegations of Serbian Influence and Wind Turbines

Mihaylov claims that in 2023 Boyko Borisov summoned him to a meeting and told him that Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić wanted wind turbines installed in Vetrino, Valchi Dol, and Varna Province. According to him, Ivo Prokopiev attended the meeting, and the project is connected to the company CWP and would affect northeastern Bulgaria.

He questions whether Bulgaria can be a reliable NATO member if its political elite accommodates demands from Serbia, which he considers dependent on Russia and China. Mihaylov accuses Borisov of espionage and subversive activities on behalf of Serbia and presents a lie detector, saying that he has passed seven tests. He also mentions Ivo Prokopiev, Dimitar Enchev, PP-DB (ПП-ДБ), and Vazrazhdane in connection with the alleged transmission of information.

The Coastal Zone and the Work of the Security Services

Mihaylov identifies Coastal Zone A in Varna Province as a security risk, arguing that it should serve as a buffer zone and a location for military installations. He accuses Daniel Slavov, known as Dankata, of using changes to cadastral records to reclassify coastal land as agricultural land and subsequently as regulated building plots.

Mihaylov says he has submitted reports to governments and media outlets and informed NATO and the European Union, but has seen no response. He claims that a former head of the State Agency for National Security (SANS, ДАНС – Държавна агенция национална сигурност) in Varna maintains ties with Slavov and has once again assumed a leadership position, which he believes creates a risk of information reaching private individuals or an adversary. He also asks where air defense systems could be deployed if coastal land is developed.

The Presidential Role, Domestic Priorities, and Historical Park

Mihaylov believes that the presidential institution carries sufficient authority to raise issues with the government and Bulgaria's allies because, in his view, statements by the head of state receive more attention than revelations made by individual citizens. He promises to identify problems publicly every day and insists that the security services, military, and police should be mobilized to combat crime.

He contrasts domestic security priorities with calls for Bulgaria to participate in military operations. According to him, the country must first investigate crimes and ensure the protection of its population; as an indication of its military readiness, he claims that Bulgaria has fewer than 500 combat-ready military personnel. Mihaylov argues that families lack sufficient resources for their everyday needs while criminals remain unpunished.

Mihaylov invites citizens to an open day at Historical Park on October 17 so they can see the site, which he claims institutions and media outlets portray as nonexistent or fraudulent. He compares the reported 15 million leva allocated for repointing masonry joints at Shipka Peak with his estimate that the park would be worth at least 5 billion euros. In conclusion, he urges voters not to be intimidated by messages about war and to support Velichie, number 19 on the ballot; he states that as president he would insist that the government either do its job or resign. Original source: Ivelin Mihaylov: Why I Am Running for President and Who Governs Bulgaria