PP leader calls on Iliana Iotova to withdraw from the presidential race

PP Chairman Asen Vasilev has called on Iliana Iotova to withdraw from the presidential race because in her capacity as Vice President back in 2022, she granted a pardon to Ognyan Atanasov, known as "Escobar of Petrich." He had been sentenced to 15 years in prison for drug trafficking but was released 10 years before the completion of his sentence. "Ms. Iotova pardoned him citing a health condition posing a threat to his life," Vasilev said. In 2025, Atanasov was caught again with 5 kg of cocaine.

According to Vasilev, Iotova's reasons for the pardon were not made public, and the decree was not published in the State Gazette. "We call on Ms. Iotova to clearly explain why she released a drug dealer 10 years before his sentence ended. If she cannot provide a clear and convincing answer, she must withdraw from the presidential race," Vasilev said.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova