"I support Iliana Iotova for President of the Republic of Bulgaria and Kiril Valchev for Vice President, and I am joining the initiative committee for their nomination, not simply because I was invited, but because it is my personal conviction." With these words, Marin Kirov, the mayor of Tsarevo, who was elected in 2023 as a GERB candidate, justified his decision to join the initiative committee for the nomination of the two candidates. In a detailed post on social media, he openly admits that he expects comments regarding this choice but insists that everyone should have the opportunity to stand behind their own views with their name.
Kirov explains that his participation is not driven by a desire for personal gain, but by a wish to bring the voice of local government to the committee—the voice of the municipalities and the people who work daily to build the country. According to him, Bulgaria needs institutions that function effectively, as well as more dialogue and character, rather than unnecessary division and political noise. He believes that the presidential institution should be a bridge and a corrective, not just a figure occupying a position.
The mayor finds the motives for supporting Iliana Iotova in her rich European and institutional experience, gained during her terms in the European Parliament. Regarding Kiril Valchev, he shares: "I have known Kiril Valchev for over ten years as one of the first journalists I spoke with about judicial reform, a brilliant lawyer, and one of the best media managers—elected two consecutive times. Yes—the first time he was proposed by the GERB party, and the second time he was widely supported and elected with 170 parliamentary votes, which is a clear and eloquent sign." Kirov categorically opposes attempts to diminish the candidates with the label "two journalists," describing such suggestions as a manifestation of fear among political opponents.
In his text, the mayor of Tsarevo also addresses his political identity, emphasizing: "I want to be clear on one issue—I am not a Russophile. My last specialization was in the USA. I am a Bulgarophile, and I choose Bulgaria." For Marin Kirov, it is of crucial importance for statehood to displace political theater, and he calls for unity around common goals, even when people come from different political backgrounds. He concludes his position with the confidence that he stands with Iotova and Valchev with full responsibility, in the name of reason and statehood.