How far away is Bulgaria when you choose its president?

The boundary between geographical distance and national identity often fades on election day. For our compatriots living thousands of kilometres from their homeland, presidential elections are not merely an administrative procedure, but an expression of belonging, hope and the desire to have their voices heard. How do Bulgarians around the world view the role of the head of state, and what makes them feel close to their homeland despite the physical distance?

Principles, Unity and International Standing: What matters most in a President

The question of whether the head of state should primarily uphold principles, unite the nation or defend the country’s standing on the international stage prompted a range of nuanced responses in our conversations with fellow Bulgarians on election day on October 25. For many, however, these three roles are inseparable.

40 thousand Bulgarians abroad register to vote in presidential election

“Personally, I think that if one person embodies all three of these qualities, that might sound a little utopian, but it would be the best possible outcome,” says Marina Tomova, who lives in Nettuno, Italy. “The president is the face of a country. We Bulgarians would identify with this representative figure in a number of ways: how they present themselves on the international stage and how they defend Bulgaria’s interests. At the same time, the president should serve as a unifying figure and a corrective force in both domestic and foreign policy.”

Marinela Koleva, from Kraków, Poland, adds:

“People want to see a president who stands up for Bulgaria’s interests and is not afraid to take a position. They also want someone who protects their interests, is educated and well-informed, can speak eloquently at international events and is not afraid to express their views clearly and openly.”

Estela Encheva, from Munich, Germany, emphasises the importance of international law and domestic dialogue.

“For me, it is also important that the president respects international law and insists that our country abide by it, while also bringing the nation together. We live in a time when society is so divided that political measures alone can hardly bridge the divide. In our particular situation, it is important for the president to be able to act as a check on those in power.”

Marin Kachamakov, from Geneva, Switzerland, stresses that the head of state should unite people around moral principles and integrity, while also having the strength and voice to hold those in power to account.

“I believe the president should unite fellow Bulgarians around integrity and a shared moral compass, and help ensure that Bulgaria is not seen as a country that disregards principles, a country where anything goes and where signed treaties are not honoured. In short, the president should bring people together, set a moral example and ensure that the agreements and treaties signed by the state are respected.”

Milena Baeva, from Kuwait, says that, for her, it is equally important for the next presidential ticket to unite people in Bulgaria and defend the country’s interests:

“I imagine them as people whose actions, both at home and on the world stage, will make me proud to be Bulgarian.”

Viktoria Vlahovska, from Reading, United Kingdom, points out that Bulgarians abroad want a steady hand as commander-in-chief and a representative figure they can be proud of.

Adriana Dimitrova, from Berlin, Germany, sums up her expectations by saying she wants a competent leader who can hold their own with dignity on the world stage, someone Bulgarians will not be ashamed of.

When do Bulgarians abroad feel represented and heard?

For Bulgarians living outside the country to feel represented by the presidential institution, they need genuine attention, not merely formal gestures.

The role of the presidential ticket is to seek common ground and represent all Bulgarian citizens, regardless of their political beliefs or place of residence, stresses Mancho Manev, from Melbourne, Australia:

“I would feel represented if the president regarded Bulgarians abroad as an integral part of the nation. This is not just about official visits or statements, but about genuinely understanding the problems faced by Bulgarian communities around the world and the contributions they make. What matters is that people abroad know their voices and experiences also count in shaping Bulgaria’s future,” says our compatriot from the other side of the world.

Martina Shopova-Yanev, from Vienna, Austria, is adamant that she has yet to see genuine concern from the presidential institution for the problems faced by Bulgarians abroad, and hopes this will change:

“I hope for a president and vice-president who will be present in the lives of Bulgarians abroad, not just on paper or during election campaigns, and who will help address our problems. These often concern the exercise of our right to vote and making voting easier. We hope the next presidential ticket will take a more active approach in this regard and demonstrate genuine interest, rather than merely campaigning for support.”

“I think the president should visit as many different countries as possible and make time for Bulgarians abroad,” suggests Marin Kachamakov from Geneva. “Although there are only 24 hours in a day, the president should also try to listen to the views of these Bulgarians. Let us not forget that some of them left Bulgaria not because they wanted to, but because they decided they could build a better life abroad, or because they were driven out of the country. I am referring to the period before 1989-1990.”

Marinela Koleva, from Kraków, Poland, proposes a concrete way to show support: the president could serve as patron of initiatives organised by Bulgarians abroad, demonstrating through action and policy that their concerns matter.

Ties to the Homeland and Faith in the Power of the Vote

Despite the distance and fluctuations in voter turnout, the bond with Bulgaria remains strong. In Melbourne, for example, 77 people voted, compared with 149 in the previous parliamentary elections in April 2026. Bulgarians abroad continue to express a desire for change in their homeland. This is reflected in the decisive victory of the Andrey Gyurov-Georgi Kandev presidential ticket among voters abroad, while in Bulgaria the advantage went to incumbent head of state Iliana Iotova and her running mate, Kiril Valchev.

Gyurov wins 45.79% of overseas vote, well ahead of Iotova

“Wherever we live, we always feel close to our homeland,” says Mancho Manev, from Melbourne, Australia.

“We keep ourselves informed through social media and the news, and we watch Bulgarian television. We will always remain Bulgarians, no matter how far away we are from our homeland. Every one of us cares deeply about Bulgaria, which is why you see such strong engagement abroad. People vote, they take an interest and they are not indifferent to what is happening, because we all care about Bulgaria.”

The organisation of polling stations abroad demonstrates the strength of the community and its commitment to developments in the homeland. In this sense, voting is not simply a civic duty, but a powerful expression of an enduring connection with Bulgaria. This is also evident in a video sent to us by Nadia Ullman from the Bulgarian Centre in Boston, USA. Voter turnout in New England was lower than in the previous vote in April 2026, but for her, taking part in the electoral process is a personal mission.

“As the mother of two grown-up children who have attended Bulgarian school in Boston for years, I see it as my mission to raise them as informed and engaged Bulgarian citizens. I teach them to love Bulgaria and value their right to vote. By actively participating in the life of the Bulgarian community abroad, they are learning to preserve their roots and traditions. I believe that this is how we raise responsible individuals who will always carry Bulgaria in their hearts and contribute to its future.

For me, voting is not simply an obligation, but a way of helping shape a better and more prosperous Bulgaria. Every vote cast from abroad sends a clear message that Bulgarians living outside the country are not indifferent to what is happening at home. The organisation of polling stations demonstrates the strength of our community and our desire to make Bulgaria a more attractive place for us and our children to return to.”

The conversations conducted by the Radio Bulgaria team with Bulgarians living in different parts of the world make one thing clear: liviging at a distance from Bulgaria does not diminish their expectations of the country’s institutions. Bulgarians abroad want their president to act as a check on those in power, unite the nation and serve as an authoritative representative of the country on the international stage. They want a leader who shows genuine concern for Bulgarian communities around the world and makes them proud of their origins.

Read also:

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Returnee from Czechia: Apathy on election day is surprising

Low voter enthusiasm in London, no rise in runoff turnout expected

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English: R. Petkova