Bulgarians vote in a presidential runoff
Bulgarians voted Sunday in a presidential runoff between acting President Iliana Yotova and opposition candidate Andrey Gyurov.
- 34.76% went to Yotova in the first round, versus 31.95% for Gyurov.
- 23% of eligible voters cast first-round ballots, a record low.
- Yotova would be Bulgaria's first elected female president.
- Prime Minister Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria party endorsed Yotova, an independent.
Why it matters: The race pits two approaches to Russia and Ukraine against each other. Drone attacks on Black Sea shipping have raised security concerns in Bulgaria.
- Yotova opposes military aid to Ukraine and favors talks with Moscow.
- Gyurov signed a security cooperation agreement with Kyiv as caretaker prime minister.
How 3 sources split on this story
Where they split: The candidates disagree on whether Bulgaria should name Russia as the source of Black Sea threats or prioritize negotiations.
Center coverage, 2 sources: The center frames the runoff as a polarized choice between Moscow-friendly and pro-Western visions shaped by the Ukraine war.
Left coverage, 1 sources: The left frames the vote around security threats, economic hardship and concerns about concentrated power if Yotova wins.
What’s next: Exit polls are expected after polls close at 8 p.m. Official results will be announced Monday.
- Observers cited by AP say a Yotova win would put the presidency with the ruling majority.
- Will turnout recover from the first round's record low?
- Would a Yotova presidency weaken checks on the Radev government, as observers suggest?
