Who is Iliana Iotova?

Iliana Iotova: From Sofia-Born Journalist to Bulgaria’s First Female Head of State

Iliana Malinova Iotova (Bulgarian: Илияна Малинова Йотова), born on October 24, 1964, in Sofia, is a Bulgarian politician, journalist, and — as of 23 January 2026 — the sixth President of Bulgaria.

Her rise to the presidency isn’t just a personal achievement — it’s a historic one. Iotova became the first woman in Bulgaria’s history to hold the nation’s highest office, marking a significant moment in the country’s post-communist democratic evolution.

As a member of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), former Vice President (2017–2026), and now president, Iotova’s career encompasses journalism, European politics, national leadership, and civic engagement.

Early Life and Education

Iotova grew up in Sofia and was educated at the Lycée Français de Sofia, an elite school that emphasizes French language and culture. After graduating, she continued her education at St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, earning a degree in Bulgarian and French philology.

Her international academic experience includes specialization at France’s École nationale d’administration (ENA) and at the Centre for European Studies in Strasbourg, which prepared her for roles that extended beyond Bulgarian borders.

A Career in Journalism (1990–1997)

Before entering formal politics, Iotova became a prominent face in Bulgarian media during a transformational period in the nation’s history — the early 1990s post-communist transition. She worked at Bulgarian National Television as a:

reporter
editor
director
news and current affairs presenter
head of the News and Current Affairs Directorate

This was a time when Bulgarian media was reshaping itself from state propaganda outlets into independent news organizations — and Iotova was in the thick of that evolution.

Her journalistic tenure laid the groundwork for her future visibility and credibility in Bulgarian public life.

Entry into Politics: BSP and Parliament

In 1997, she joined the Bulgarian Socialist Party, taking over as director of its press service. That same year, she formally became a party member — a transition from reporting on politics to shaping it.

By 2005, Iotova was elected to the National Assembly of Bulgaria. During her term, she:

represented Sofia’s 24th electoral constituency
chaired the Bulgarian delegation to the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie
served as a member of the delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

Her legislative beginnings showcased her fluency in international diplomacy and her interest in broader European affairs.

Member of European Parliament (2007–2017)

In June 2007, Iotova transitioned to the European Parliament as one of Bulgaria’s first Members of the European Parliament after the country joined the EU. Her decade in the European legislative body became foundational in defining her political identity on the continental stage.

During her tenure, she held several important roles and committee assignments.

Committees and Positions

Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (2007–2009)
Committee on Fisheries (2009–2014)
Committee on Petitions (2009–2014)
Vice-Chair of Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (2014–2017)

She also served on the Special Committee on Organized Crime, Corruption and Money Laundering and chaired delegations dealing with relations with Montenegro and Mediterranean countries.

Policy Focus

Her European Parliament work emphasized:

civil liberties
justice reform
migration policy and refugee distribution
consumer rights
transparency and anti-corruption efforts

Through these roles, Iotova built a reputation as a dedicated advocate for civil rights and social justice within the EU framework.

Vice President of Bulgaria (2017–2026)

Election with Rumen Radev

In late 2016, Iotova was selected as the running mate of Rumen Radev — a former Bulgarian Air Force commander — in the Bulgarian presidential election.

Together, they won and were inaugurated on 22 January 2017, ushering Iotova into the office of Vice President of Bulgaria.

They were re-elected in 2021, securing a second term that officially ran from 22 January 2022.

Key Focus and Responsibilities

As vice president, her priorities included:

Bulgarian communities abroad and cultural preservation
Support for Bulgarian language education internationally, especially Sunday schools
Civil society engagement and cultural diplomacy

She also took public stances on major economic and political issues.

In late 2025, she criticized Bulgaria’s 2026 budget proposal, arguing that it lacked a coherent long-term economic vision and was driven by short-term political considerations.

She also warned that the first national budget after the adoption of the euro showed troubling indicators and required broader public debate.

Her commentary reflected concerns about economic planning, social justice, and fiscal responsibility during a period of national transition.

Bulgaria’s Political Context Leading Up to 2026

The period between 2024 and 2025 was marked by persistent political fragmentation in Bulgaria. A succession of short-lived governments struggled to form stable parliamentary majorities, leading to repeated elections and institutional paralysis.

Iotova was vocal about democratic legitimacy and institutional stability, including statements questioning the credibility of parliamentary processes and election outcomes during this period.

These tensions formed the backdrop for one of the most consequential events of her career.

Historic Transition: Becoming President in 2026

Resignation of Rumen Radev and Constitutional Procedure

On 19 January 2026, President Rumen Radev announced his resignation, triggering a constitutional transition of power. The Constitutional Court confirmed the resignation on 23 January 2026.

Under Bulgaria’s constitution, the sitting vice president automatically assumes the presidency in such circumstances. As a result, Iliana Iotova became President of Bulgaria, serving the remainder of the term until January 2027.

No vice president was appointed following her elevation, leaving the position vacant.

Significance of the Presidency

Iliana Iotova’s accession to the presidency marked a historic first for Bulgaria. She became the first woman to hold the office, a milestone in the country’s democratic and social development.

Beyond symbolism, the role carries constitutional authority, including command responsibilities over the armed forces, participation in foreign policy, and the ability to influence national political discourse during periods of crisis.

Leadership Style and Public Image

Iotova is widely regarded as a composed, articulate leader with strong communication skills rooted in her journalism background. She is fluent in Bulgarian, French, Russian, and English, enabling direct engagement with international counterparts.

Her public presence emphasizes dialogue, institutional respect, and continuity, especially during moments of political instability.

Personal Life and Values

Iliana Iotova is married to Andrey Iotov, a physician. The couple has one child.

Her personal narrative — spanning healthcare work, journalism, European governance, and national leadership — is frequently cited as a reflection of social mobility, professional resilience, and public dedication.

Assessing Iliana Iotova’s Legacy up to 2026

Iliana Iotova’s career can be understood through several defining phases:

Journalism

A foundation in public communication during Bulgaria’s democratic transition.

European Governance

A decade shaping policy within the European Parliament, particularly in civil liberties and justice.

Vice Presidency

Nine years of institutional continuity, cultural diplomacy, and social advocacy.

Presidency

A historic tenure marked by political transition, institutional uncertainty, and symbolic progress for gender representation in Bulgarian politics.

Looking Ahead

As president, Iliana Iotova presides over a period defined by electoral uncertainty, economic adjustment, and debates about democratic legitimacy. Her established positions suggest an emphasis on social cohesion, constitutional responsibility, and Bulgaria’s role within the European Union.

Whether viewed as a transitional leader or a historic figure reshaping expectations of political leadership, Iliana Iotova’s role in Bulgaria’s modern political history is now firmly established.