Iliana Yotova has been elected as Bulgaria's first elected female head of state, winning the runoff election with 57.6% of the vote, according to the Central Election Commission. Yotova, the acting president, pledged to work towards national consensus by bridging political divides.
Her opponent, Andrey Gyurov, representing the liberal, pro-Western opposition, conceded defeat, acknowledging the voters' decision. With all votes counted, Gyurov received 39.5% of the vote.
Yotova stated, "I voted for national consensus through dialogue, for institutions that work for citizens, for a strong state with its own foreign policy in a strong Europe." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Yotova and expressed anticipation for continued cooperation on security, defense, competitiveness, and energy independence.
This election outcome places the presidency in the hands of the governing majority, as Yotova is endorsed by Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria party, which holds a majority in Parliament. Observers have noted that this concentration of power could potentially impact the balance of checks and balances on policy decisions.
Yotova and Radev have advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the war in Ukraine and have been cautious regarding potential Russian involvement in drone attacks in the Black Sea region. Yotova has previously opposed further Bulgarian military aid to Ukraine, arguing for a diplomatic approach and a "coalition for peace."
The newly elected president, 62, previously served as vice president, taking over the presidential duties in January when Radev ran for parliament. She is expected to continue Radev’s policies of maintaining Bulgaria’s European alignment while also supporting improved relations with Russia and the lifting of sanctions.
Yotova's career began in television journalism in the 1990s before entering politics. She served in the national Parliament and the European Parliament for the Socialist party. In 2016 and 2021, she was elected as Radev's vice president. Kiril Valchev, a lawyer and journalist who has led the Bulgarian News Agency since 2021, will serve as vice president.
Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007. While there is general agreement among political parties on the country's pro-Western orientation, societal divisions persist due to traditional historical and cultural ties with Russia, particularly amplified since the invasion of Ukraine.
The Bulgarian presidency is largely ceremonial, but the directly elected head of state holds significant political authority. The president commands the armed forces, can veto legislation, signs international treaties, and appoints ambassadors. Presidents serve five-year terms, with a limit of two terms. Yotova is scheduled to be inaugurated on January 22.