Bulgarians vote this Sunday in the final round of the presidential election, as the country faces rising regional uncertainty, drone attacks on shipping in the Black Sea, and domestic economic problems.
Iliana Jotova, the current head of state, and opposition candidate Andrey Gyurov, a former caretaker prime minister and representative of pro-Western forces, are competing for the presidency. If she wins, Jotova will become the first woman directly elected president in Bulgaria’s history.
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In the first round, held on October 25, Jotova came out ahead with 34.76% of the vote, while Gyurov received 31.95%. Turnout was exceptionally low, however: only 23% of eligible voters cast ballots, according to election authorities.
Voting began at 07:00, with the first exit polls expected after polling stations close at 20:00. The official results are expected to be announced on Monday.
Clash over relations with Moscow
The campaign has unfolded amid deep polarization, with foreign policy and Bulgaria’s relations with Russia among the main topics of debate.
Jotova is running as an independent but has the backing of Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria party, which favors improving ties with Moscow.
Her position is expected to follow Radev’s policies: support for Bulgaria’s European integration, as well as closer ties with Russia and the lifting of sanctions against it.
Jotova and Prime Minister Radev have called for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine, while expressing caution about suspicions of Russian involvement in drone attacks in the Black Sea region.
In a televised debate held this week, Jotova argued that any agreement must include both sides, Ukraine and Russia.
“Peace can only be achieved through negotiations,” she said.
The candidate also called for a security conference bringing together the six countries with coastlines on the Black Sea. She said such a meeting could lead to an agreement on a moratorium on hostilities in the region.
Gyurov, meanwhile, represents a more pro-Western line and wants Sofia to take a firmer stance on Russian aggression in Ukraine.
An economist by profession, a former deputy governor of the central bank, and caretaker prime minister in early 2026, he has the backing of pro-European and reformist opposition forces.
During his time leading the government, Gyurov signed a security cooperation agreement with Ukraine and has consistently expressed support for Kyiv.
He aims to establish Bulgaria as a reliable NATO ally that defends its interests through active diplomacy and a firm policy.
The opposition candidate has accused the government of failing to clearly identify Russia as the aggressor in the war against Ukraine. Gyurov wants Sofia to clearly identify threats to the country and take part in European Union decision-making from the earliest stages.
“When you don’t have a position and you’re not at the table, you’re actually on the menu,” he said, underscoring the need for Bulgaria to play a more active role in international decision-making.
Sunday’s vote is also seen as the first major electoral test for Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria party, which has endorsed Jotova.
Political analysts say that a victory for her would leave the presidency in the hands of the current governing majority. Such a concentration of power could affect institutional oversight and the balance of power in political decision-making.
However, in Bulgaria’s system, the president does not have the same powers as the prime minister. The head of state plays an important role in international representation and matters related to national security.
The election is taking place as concerns over maritime security grow. Recent drone attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea have caused casualties and left crew members missing.
The incidents have increased pressure on Bulgarian authorities to strengthen security measures and expand cooperation with international allies.
The candidates’ differences over how Russia should be handled have also surfaced in debates about these attacks. At the same time, citizens continue to face economic hardship and concerns about the rising cost of living.
Turnout of just 23% in the October 25 election has raised further questions about public confidence in institutions and the political process.
The second-round result will determine the next president, but is also expected to affect institutional balances and Bulgaria’s orientation toward the European Union, NATO, Russia, and the war in Ukraine.
