Bulgaria's Incumbent President Iotova Wins Runoff Vote
Yotova led Gyurov by 20 points as voters backed her calls for dialogue with Moscow over military aid to Ukraine.
- Acting President Iliana Yotova secured a decisive victory in Bulgaria's presidential runoff on Sunday, with initial counts showing her receiving around 58% of the vote. Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov conceded defeat after trailing at around 38%.
- The election highlighted deep societal divisions regarding the war in Ukraine. Yotova presented herself as a "president of peace" who favors dialogue with Moscow, while Gyurov campaigned for "a secure, stable and European Bulgaria."
- Although Bulgaria's presidency is primarily ceremonial, direct election grants the office greater political authority, including the power to veto legislation and lead the armed forces. Presidents serve a five-year term and are limited to two terms.
- Gyurov accepted the outcome, stating, "This is how the Bulgarian citizens have voted," and added that the results must be accepted. European Commission chief Ursula Leyen congratulated Yotova on her apparent win.
- Seeking her own elected mandate, Yotova declared her message focused on "incomes, peace and the challenges that lie ahead." She will continue the policies of her ally, Prime Minister Rumen Radev, amid ongoing security concerns in the Black Sea.
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The rival of the current Bulgarian President, Iliana Yotova, former Acting Prime Minister Andrei Gürov, acknowledged his defeat in the presidential election and transmits Novinite with reference to his statement.
Iliana Yotova Wins Bulgarian Presidential Election with Almost 58%, in Favor of Dialogue with Moscow
The outgoing president defeated pro-Western Andrei Gurov, according to the latest estimates - First woman elected to the presidency of the country
️ Opponent of military aid to Ukraine wins the presidential election in Bulgaria
Yotova has held the position of vice-president since 2017 and became acting head of state in January 2026 after the resignation of Rumen Radev, and is now elected for a full term, becoming the first woman president of Bulgaria as a result of a...
Yotova wins runoff to become Bulgaria’s first elected female president, unofficial count shows
Acting President Iliana Yotova is winner in the country’s presidential runoff, early returns show, and her opponent has conceded. She will become the first elected female president in the nation's history.
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