Acting President Yotova and former PM Gyurov face Bulgarian runoff amid security and economic concerns

The runoff, opened at 7 a.m., follows a first round with 23% turnout and comes as drone attacks on Black Sea shipping increase.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 01 Nov 2026 07:16:22 GMT

Bulgarians voted Sunday in a presidential runoff between Acting President Iliana Yotova and former interim Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, amid regional security threats and domestic economic worries, election officials said.

What happened

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. nationwide for the second‑round vote. The first round on Oct. 25 saw a record low turnout of just 23 % of eligible voters, with Yotova ahead of Gyurov by 2.8 percentage points, according to officials. Exit‑poll data are expected after polls close at 8 p.m., and the final tally will be released on Monday.

What the reports add

The runoff is described as highly polarized, with each candidate courting voters through markedly different political platforms.
The election takes place against a backdrop of worsening economic hardship and a surge in drone attacks on Black Sea shipping, incidents that have resulted in several sailors being killed or reported missing.
The contest is seen as the first major test for Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s Moscow‑friendly Progressive Bulgaria party, which has thrown its support behind Yotova.
Observers warn that a Yotova victory could further concentrate power within the ruling majority, potentially weakening institutional checks and balances.

What was said

“Peace could come only through negotiations.”

Yotova said this during a televised debate, outlining her proposal for a settlement that involves both Ukraine and Russia.

“When you have no position and are not at the table, you are in fact on the menu.”

Gyurov warned that Bulgaria must secure a clear stance in the Russia‑Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for active participation in EU decision‑making.

Yotova, running as an independent, said she will maintain Bulgaria’s European trajectory while seeking improved relations with Russia and the lifting of sanctions. Gyurov, an economist and former caretaker prime minister, is backed by the pro‑Western reformist opposition and has pledged strong support for Ukraine, citing a security cooperation agreement signed with Kyiv during his tenure.

How it came about

Yotova assumed the acting presidency earlier this year after President Rumen Radev stepped down to lead his party in the general election. The runoff pits her, the candidate endorsed by the Progressive Bulgaria party, against Gyurov, who served as interim prime minister in early 2026 and is positioned as the opposition’s reformist choice.

Key facts

Polls opened at 7 a.m. for the Bulgarian presidential runoff on Nov. 1, 2026. (winnipegfreepress.com)
First‑round turnout was 23% of eligible voters, with Yotova ahead by 2.8 points. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The runoff is set against increased drone attacks on Black Sea shipping. (news18.com)
Yotova would be Bulgaria’s first elected female president if she wins. (winnipegfreepress.com)