With the resignation of Rumen Radev, the political scene in Bulgaria is entering uncharted waters, and one of the most prepared figures in the country is at the center of events - Iliana Yotova. She is not just a "vice" who stands in the shadows, but a politician with over 30 years of experience, who has gone through the school of journalism, the party hierarchy and European diplomacy, writes vesti.bg.
Iotova's career began before the eyes of all of Bulgaria. In the 1990s, she was one of the iconic faces of BNT. As a news anchor and head of current affairs programs, she built a style of communication that would later prove invaluable in politics - the ability to speak directly, control her emotions and ask uncomfortable questions.
Her transition from journalism to politics in 1997 was not accidental. She took over the BSP press center in one of the most difficult moments for the party (after the events of January 1997), proving that she had “iron nerves“ and the ability to build an image in times of crisis.
Before becoming Vice President, Iliana Yotova gained solid international authority as an MEP (2007-2017). In Brussels, she was not just “one of many“. She became an expert on some of the most sensitive topics for Europe:
♦ The migration crisis: Yotova was one of the main rapporteurs on the topics of asylum and security.
♦ The fight against terrorism: She actively participated in the debates on pan-European security.
♦ Citizens' rights: Her voice was clearly heard in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE).
This European background gives her the self-confidence of a statesman who knows the mechanisms of power not only in Sofia, but also in the heart of the EU.
In 2016, many saw in her choice as vice president of Rumen Radev an attempt at balance - the experienced political “wolf” (Iotova) to the strategic, but inexperienced in politics general (Radev). Over the years, she has proven to be a loyal partner, but also an independent factor.
While Radev focused on security, defense, and geopolitical clashes, Yotova turned her role into a mission for “Bulgarian spirituality“. She made the topic of Bulgarians abroad her cause – not only administratively, but also emotionally. She toured dozens of communities from Taraclia to Chicago, fighting for the preservation of Bulgarian schools and the language.
Yotova is known for her pragmatism. She is considered a perfect conversationalist – she can quote French classics (thanks to her education in French philology and specialization at the prestigious French school ENA), but also speak “ti“ with people in small towns.
♦ Intelligence and preparation: Always well-prepared with documents and facts.
♦ Diplomacy: Manages to maintain a dialogue even with political opponents with whom Radev is in open war.
♦ Firmness: When it comes to the national interest (for example, the issue of North Macedonia), she is often more categorical than the president.
Assuming the functions of head of state, Iliana Yotova makes history. She inherits a deeply divided political class and society awaiting new elections. The expectations are that she will bring more institutional calm and use her diplomatic experience to balance between Radev's ambitions on the political terrain and the need for stability at the top of the state.
Brief biography
Iliyana Malinova Yotova was born on October 24, 1964 in Sofia.
She graduated from the 9th French Language High School, and in 1989 she obtained a master's degree in Bulgarian and French philology at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski“.
She specialized at the National School of Administration (ENA) in France and at the Center for European Affairs in Strasbourg.
Her professional path began at the Bulgarian National Television (1990 – 1997), where she was a reporter, news anchor and director of the “News and Current Affairs“ department.
She started her political career as head of the BSP Press Center (1997 – 2005). She was a member of the National Assembly of Bulgaria (2005 - 2007) and a member of the European Parliament for two terms (2007 - 2017).
In January 2017, she took office as Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria, and in 2022, she began her second term in office.
She is fluent in French and Russian.