Bulgaria's Yotova wins presidential election with 57.6% of vote
Bulgarian President Iliyana Yotova, an ally of Prime Minister Rumen Radev who opposes military assistance to Ukraine, has won the country's presidential runoff with 57.57% of the vote, according to results published by Bulgaria's Central Election Commission on November 2.
Her challenger, former caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, received 39.48%, with all precinct protocols processed, Bulgarian public broadcaster BNT reported.Yotova, Bulgaria's first female president, took office in January 2026 after Radev resigned from the presidency and subsequently became prime minister.
She shares Radev's position on Russia and Ukraine, including opposition to providing military aid to Kyiv.
Gyurov, who served as caretaker prime minister from February to May 2026, signed a security cooperation agreement with Ukraine during his tenure.
He conceded defeat, acknowledging that the margin was larger than expected.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Yotova on her victory.
"From security and defence to our competitiveness and energy independence, I look forward to continuing our joint work," von der Leyen wrote on X.
The results also revealed a divide between voters at home and abroad. Among ballots counted outside Bulgaria, Gyurov led with 56.23%, compared with 41.56% for Yotova, with 99.02% of overseas precinct protocols processed.
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