25 publishers · first seen Fri, 30 Oct 2026 11:55 UTC · updated Wed, 04 Nov 2026 20:29 UTC
Iliana Yotova has won Bulgaria's presidential runoff election, securing 58% of the vote, according to initial results. Her main rival, Andrey Gyurov, conceded defeat with around 39% of the vote. The election was seen as a referendum on Bulgaria's foreign policy and stance on the war in Ukraine. Yotova, who favors dialogue with Russia and opposes military aid to Ukraine, is expected to continue Bulgaria's pro-European path while supporting better relations with Russia. Turnout was low, at 29.1%, reflecting a divided electorate.
The election outcome reflects a generational and geographical divide in Bulgaria, with younger voters favoring Gyurov and older voters supporting Yotova. The campaign highlighted the country's deep divisions over its relationship with Russia, with Yotova positioning herself as the 'president of peace'. The election was held against a backdrop of drone attacks in the Black Sea, which have raised security concerns and been linked to the Russia-Ukraine war.
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