Rock Band Vocalist Turned Presidential Candidate Seeks Bulgaria

Svetlyo Vitkov, the 40-year-old vocalist of rock band Hipodil, a colorful personality skilled at irony and multiple entendres and a presidential candidate at the October 23 vote, has said that he will rely on the support of people who have had their trust betrayed.

In an interview for the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA), Viktov says that he woke up one morning to the idea that President Georgi  Parvanov's term in office was running our and he could not see a candidate who would be up to the task.

Asked if his goal is to win the elections, to get to a run-off vote or to simply challenge society or politicians, the singer responds with an "I aim higher than that".

Commenting on his non-compliance with the stereotype for a head of state, Vitkov says that he has clinched a deal with the clich? on the impact the two shall have on each other.

According to the rocker, he and the clich? have consented to mutually beneficial lawful changes.

The deal was sealed at a secret meeting in a sauna due to the clich?'s fear of being wiretapped, Vitkov notes.

He says that he would be willing to wear a suit to go to work as President as long as it was not white-colored.

Asked to elaborate on his plans for a political career, the rock singer says "I have always said that you never know what you win when you lose, while when you win, you just win. Let us not jump to conclusions or forecasts because times are changing."

When asked to point out his main opponent, Vitkov says that he is not opposed to any one.

"They are all a bunch of nice and young people to all of whom I wish health and personal satisfaction", he states.

Responding to a question about the tendency for people well-versed in martial arts to become politicians, Vitkov says that the Balkan type of mindset, "the Bulgarian town of Pernik excluded", is characterized by amicability "to a certain extent".

"Martial arts can be of service when diplomacy is helpless," the rocker remarks.

Asked to delineate his constituency, Vitkov says "I do not really know all of them by names, but I believe they are people who are sick of having their trust abused."

Commenting on his campaign slogan "A President Seeks Bulgaria", Hipodil's vocalist says that the truth is born in the process of searching, while the search for Bulgaria will yield what is typically Bulgarian.