Bulgaria exit polls: incumbent Yotova predicted to win
Exit polls in Bulgaria suggested on Sunday evening that incumbent president Iliana Yotova had won a presidential runoff against former interim Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov.
Exit polls showed Yotova winning between 50.7% and 52.5% of the vote, while Gyurov was predicted to trail with between 43.4% and 44%. If confirmed by official results, Yotova would become Bulgaria's first elected female head of state.
Ceremonial but significant role
Although Bulgaria's presidency has largely ceremonial duties, the president can appoint interim governments during political crises, serve as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and veto legislation.
Ukraine war divides Bulgaria
The war in Ukraine became a central election issue amid growing security concerns in the Black Sea, which borders Bulgaria, following a rise in drone attacks targeting commercial vessels.
Russia must stop its aggression so that the next steps can be taken. Let us name the country from which the threats are coming.
Between Russia and the West
Yotova presented herself as a "president of peace" who favors dialogue with Moscow. She argued that "peace can come only through negotiations," and maintained that continued aid for Ukraine "leads only to more destruction and the deaths of many people on both sides."
If elected, Yotova is expected to pursue a similar approach to Prime Minister Rumen Radev — keeping Bulgaria on its European path while seeking closer ties with Russia and advocating the lifting of sanctions.
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