Bulgarians choose between Yotova and Gyurov amid Black Sea drone strikes
A runoff election pits a Moscow-aligned candidate against a pro-NATO economist as economic strain and regional security fears drive voter turnout to record lows.
By Beatriz Soto ·
Bulgarian voters headed to the polls on Sunday for a presidential runoff that pits a candidate backed by the ruling party against a pro-Western opposition figure. The contest takes place while the country faces rising economic pressure and a series of drone attacks on shipping in the Black Sea, which have resulted in several sailors being killed or going missing.
Acting President Iliana Yotova is running as an independent. She assumed the role earlier this year after former President Rumen Radev resigned to lead his party in the general election. The ruling Progressive Bulgaria party, which leans toward Moscow, has endorsed Yotova. This vote serves as the first major test for Radev's political leadership.
Yotova faces Andrey Gyurov, an economist and former interim prime minister who served in early 2026. Gyurov is supported by the pro-Western, reformist opposition. He previously served as deputy governor of the central bank and led the country during a caretaker government period.
The first round of voting took place on Oct. 25. Yotova won that contest by a narrow margin of 2.8 percentage points. Election officials reported that turnout in the first round was a record low, with only 23% of eligible voters casting a ballot.
Polls opened at 7 a.m. on Sunday for the second round. Officials expect the first exit poll results to be available after polls close at 8 p.m. The final official results are scheduled for announcement on Monday.
The two candidates present contrasting views on foreign policy. Yotova has advocated for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine. During a television debate this week, she stated that "peace could come only through negotiations." She also proposed a security meeting involving all six Black Sea countries to sign a moratorium on hostilities. Both Yotova and Radev have called for a diplomatic end to the war, though they have remained evasive on the possibility of Russian involvement in the recent drone attacks.
Gyurov has expressed firm support for Ukraine. He signed a security cooperation agreement with Kyiv during his time as prime minister. He described his goal as making Bulgaria a reliable NATO ally that can stand up for its interests through strong diplomacy and a firm position. He criticized the current government for being reluctant to name Russia as the aggressor in the war. "When you have no position and are not at the table, you are in fact on the menu," he said.
