The deal between Rumen Radev and Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of Vazrazhdane, is a warning sign for people who want a democratic, European Bulgaria, DSB chairman Radan Kanev wrote on social media. He reacted after Vazrazhdane refused to back Andrey Gyurov in the presidential run-off.

Gyurov and Iliana Yotova will face each other in the run-off on 1 November. In the first round on Sunday, 25 October, exit polls gave Yotova about 35% and Gyurov about 32.5%.

See also: Yotova and Gyurov head to 1 November runoff as turnout hits lowest since 1989

At a press conference earlier today, Kostadinov said his party would not give Gyurov a single vote. He said some Vazrazhdane supporters would vote for Yotova.

"The exposure of this deal today is a huge red light for all Bulgarians who believe in a strong, democratic and European Bulgaria," Kanev wrote.

He called Kostadinov's move logical, but foolish and, above all, dangerous for society. Kanev said he was not surprised. He said the deal became clear yesterday morning and was probably made well before the first round. With it, Kostadinov gives up his image as an opposition figure and an "anti-corruption" force, the DSB chairman said.

"The open alliance between Radev and Kostadinov means that both the government and President Yotova are dropping the 'pro-European' mask," Kanev also wrote. He said the alliance deepens Bulgaria's isolation, with all the security risks that brings, and greatly raises the risk that the country sinks into (post-)communist experiments in the economy and the budget.

Vazrazhdane voters are Bulgarian citizens like everyone else, Kanev said. He said their views differ from his on most issues, but they also love freedom and are independent. The deals between Radev, Kostadinov and Yotova have no bearing on how they will vote, he added.