Presidential candidate Andrey Gyurov called for steps to protect the coast and for timely warnings about threats in the Black Sea. He spoke at meetings with residents in Nessebar and Burgas.

Gyurov says that when shipping is unsafe, people who make a living from ports, farm exports, fishing and tourism lose out directly. He fears ships will refuse to dock, loading farm produce will get harder, and freight and insurance will cost more.

He called drone attacks on ships off the Bulgarian coast, and reports of drones that fell on beaches, a worrying trend. Gyurov added that Nessebar residents had told him about fuel oil slicks.

The candidate said institutions must act in time, protect people and tell the public clearly what they have done. Warnings must reach people and businesses before their lives and work are affected, not afterwards, he said.

"People have the right to be protected and warned in time," Gyurov said.

He recalled the actions of the caretaker cabinet he led when Iranian missiles posed a threat. "And today the warning about escalation comes from Tusk, Merz and Macron, not from our government, prime minister and president," Gyurov added.

Residents of both cities asked him about the refinery, energy and taxes. Gyurov said the state must defend its strategic interests, but this does not necessarily mean direct involvement in running companies.

Other topics included education, health care, the courts and artificial intelligence. People also asked about children growing up abroad: the Bulgarian language, Sunday schools and the children's ties to Bulgaria. Other questions covered books, theatre and culture, as well as morals in politics, personal choice and responsibility to the oath of office.

Gyurov also spoke about voluntary blood donation, which he says should not go without public attention.

He thanked Prof Hristo Hinkov, four other people he named, and the residents of Nessebar and Burgas for taking part.

The presidential candidate said democracy is not only about voting, but also about asking questions and pressing for answers.