Elena Yotova, the current President of Bulgaria, announced her victory in the second round of the presidential elections on Sunday night through polls. According to forecasts, Yotova has secured between 50.7% and 52.5% of the votes.
Yotova's Opponent and Election Status
Her opponent, Andrey Gyurov, a former prime minister supported by reformist and pro-Western parties, is projected to receive between 43.4% and 44% of the votes. If these results are confirmed by official results, Yotova will become the first elected female president of Bulgaria.
Key Election Issues
Although the presidency in Bulgaria is largely ceremonial, the president can appoint interim governments during political crises, act as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and veto laws. The war in Ukraine was the main issue of this election, and voters went to the polls with security concerns in the Black Sea.
Yotova has presented herself as the "President of Peace" and emphasized the importance of dialogue with Moscow. In a televised debate before the second round, Gyurov accused Yotova of avoiding direct criticism of Russia regarding the Black Sea attacks. He said, "Russia must cease its aggression for further actions to take place. Let’s name the country from which those threats come."
In response, Yotova argued that "peace can only be achieved through negotiations" and added that continued aid to Ukraine "only leads to further destruction and the death of many people on both sides." If her victory is confirmed, Yotova is expected to have a similar approach to Prime Minister Rumen Radev while establishing closer relations with Russia.
After voting on Sunday, Yotova stated that she voted for a strong country in a strong Europe, but also emphasized the need for an independent foreign policy and a "backbone" in defending national interests. Gyurov also stated that he voted for a "secure, stable, and European Bulgaria" and added, "Let’s choose the future, not the past."
