The lack of genuine change in the model of governance and the absence of an institutional response to reports of alleged irregularities and violations were among the main themes of an interview with Ivelin Mihaylov broadcast by Bulgarian National Radio (BNR). He discussed the political situation in Bulgaria, the role of state institutions and the need to change the way power is exercised.

The forthcoming presidential election was also a focus of the discussion. The Velichie Political Party has officially nominated Ivelin Mihaylov as its candidate for president and Professor Juliana Mateeva, Deputy Chairperson of the 51st National Assembly, as its candidate for vice-president.

According to Mihaylov, Velichie can point to concrete results from its work as a parliamentary party until recently and is prepared to present its actions, documents and formal submissions to the public.

“There is a great deal we can show from our work as a parliamentary party - what exactly we have accomplished and how we have fought even against media coverage and the mafia. If all this reaches the Bulgarian people, I am certain that we will achieve a positive result in the elections.” the presidential candidate said.

He placed particular emphasis on reports submitted to state institutions, arguing that no meaningful action had followed, despite what he described as evidence.

“I presented evidence of egregious crimes for which people had long wanted to see accountability. But nothing of the sort happened.” Mihaylov said.

He added that he was prepared to present witnesses, documents and factual information in support of his claims.

“When people refuse to act on clear crimes and testimony, that means we are witnessing the same model - the same system of robbing people, we simply change the players.” Ivelin Mihaylov said.

In his view, the issue therefore extends beyond individual cases or particular institutions and concerns the way the entire system of governance operates.

Mihaylov said that Velichie had not received a genuine assessment of its parliamentary work, arguing that the media and online space had been dominated by political formations with greater financial resources.

“We did not receive an assessment of what we had achieved. Instead, we received the result that Bulgaria’s political-oligarchic system managed to deliver through its financial resources and experience.” he said.

According to Mihaylov, the problem is also linked to the way power and accountability are distributed within the state.

“There is no way that a person who has committed systematic crimes in a municipality or institution can be appointed to a senior position while we then expect that person to do something different. Those in power appoint such people because they know that they will continue to do the same things, only for different people.” he said.

Mihaylov added: “The replacement of individual political figures does not necessarily mean a change in the model. When the same political and institutional circles continue to concentrate influence, the mechanism remains unchanged, regardless of who occupies the foreground.”

Mihaylov also highlighted the role of the presidential institution, which, he said, has the ability to bring important public issues to the attention of international institutions and prominent figures.

“We have access to international institutions, as well as to respected figures in the private sector and international political circles. We can place important issues on the public agenda.” he said.

According to Mihaylov, the concentration of power within the same political and institutional circles poses a threat to the democratic model.

“If the President, the Council of Ministers, the National Assembly, the Supreme Judicial Council and the leadership of BNT and BNR are all in the same hands, we cannot say that we are a democracy. We would then be some form of totalitarianism.” he said.

Mihaylov further stated that Velichie would continue to present to the public information concerning alleged irregularities in the spending of public funds and the implementation of government programmes.

Sofia, 14 September 2026

Listen to the full interview with Ivelin Mihaylov in the accompanying audio file HERE!