Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova. In office amid a tight runoff campaign and caretaker politics; charts Bulgaria’s path through political turmoil and institutional checks.
Ukraine mourns as Russia has launched a major assault of missiles and drones, striking multiple cities including Pryluky and Zaporizhzhia. Civilians are killed or wounded, and Ukraine seeks Patriot interceptors while EU sanctions broaden on Russia’s military-industrial complex. The attacks are continuing today.
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.
In Bulgaria, President Iliana Iotova has fallen short of the 50% threshold in the first round, with turnout at a record low around 23%. She will face former caretaker PM Andrey Gyurov in a runoff on November 1. The contest centers on NATO, EU alignment, and responses to Russia’s war in Ukraine as drone strikes in the Black Sea escalate tensions.