Presidential Election 2026: Hristanov and Cherkezova focus on demography

Bulgarian presidential and vice-presidential candidates Ivan Hristanov and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stoyanka Cherkezova have presented the initiative committee backing their bid for the October 25, 2026 election, as well as their key priorities. Hristanov is former Minister of Agriculture from Andrey Gyurov’s caretaker government, while Cherkezova is a demographer at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

The two identify population decline and ageing as the central focus of their campaign. Official data shows that 50,241 children were born in Bulgaria in 2025, while 99,479 people died. Another priority for Hristanov and Cherkezova is the granting of pardons based on clear and transparent rules. The initiative committee supporting the candidate duo includes musicians, public figures, and lecturers. It is chaired by rock musician Denis Rizov.

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Editor: Miglena Ivanova