Bulgarian opposition candidate in a tight 2026 presidential runoff; current role: presidential candidate and public figure navigating a polarized race.
Across Ukraine and Russia, drone and missile attacks have escalated, killing civilians and damaging infrastructure. Crimea reports restrictions on electricity and water after a drone incident; multiple regional strikes in Bryansk and Kharkiv kill and wound people. NATO training exercises show allied readiness to defend against drone-enabled warfare. Starlink remains contested amid a broader information and security backdrop.
The presidential race heads to a runoff as Iliana Yotova and Andrei Gyurov present starkly different visions amid record-low turnout. Voters face a polarized choice over Europe, Russia, and Bulgaria's future direction. The vote comes as drone attacks and economic strain intensify concerns about security and governance.
Iotova and Gyurov advance to a runoff after a first round marked by low turnout and regional volatility amid Black Sea tensions linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Exit polls point to a close race as Bulgaria weighs its future in Europe and NATO.