Iotova secures Bulgaria’s presidential office in runoff election

The contest for the largely ceremonial position saw Iotova, an ally of Prime Minister Rumen Radev, facing off against Andrey Gyurov, a banker and former caretaker prime minister backed by the pro-Western opposition.

Estimates from multiple polling institutes indicate Iotova secured between 57.4 and 58.2 percent of the vote, significantly surpassing Gyurov, who received between 38.6 and 39.6 percent.

Standing alongside Radev, a visibly pleased Iotova declared victory, emphasizing her campaign’s focus on “incomes, peace and the challenges that lie ahead.”

European Union President Ursula von der Leyen extended her congratulations to Iotova, stating her anticipation for continued collaboration on issues ranging from security and defense to energy independence. She shared the message on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Congratulations to @IlianaIotova on her victory in the presidential elections. From security and defence to our competitiveness and energy independence, I look forward to continuing our joint work. For a strong Bulgaria in a strong Europe,” she wrote.

Radev characterized the election outcome as a choice for “normalcy and a stable, clear path forward,” reiterating his own support for dialog with Moscow.

Iotova, aged 62, assumed the presidency earlier this year following Radev’s departure to pursue a parliamentary career. This victory marks her as the first woman elected to the Bulgarian presidency in the nation of 6.4 million people.

Gyurov, 50 and a former deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, acknowledged the results and underscored the importance of national unity.

The election took place amidst heightened security concerns following a series of drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea.

Several vessels were targeted in the Black Sea off Bulgaria’s coast in October, resulting in 21 people going missing, a situation believed to be linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. While Radev has suggested the attacks served Russian interests, his government maintains there is currently no direct evidence connecting them to Moscow.

Sociologist Boryana Dimitrova of the Alpha Research institute noted that the “sensitive chord of fear regarding war was exploited,” and that Iotova presented herself as the “president of peace.”

After casting her vote in Sofia, Iotova expressed her desire for Bulgaria to remain “sovereign in its decisions” and “strong in a strong Europe.”

Historically aligned with Russia, Bulgaria remains politically divided regarding its relationship with Moscow. The initial round of voting saw a record low turnout of 23 percent, while the second round is projected to have around 27 percent participation.