Iotova and Gyurov head to runoff after record low turnout
Get European news in your inbox daily
A short daily digest of the whole continent — or just the countries you care about.
Check your email. We've sent a confirmation link — click it to complete your subscription.
Bulgaria's presidential election will proceed to a runoff between incumbent President Iliana Iotova and challenger Andrey Gyurov, after neither candidate secured a majority in the first round. Near-final results indicate Iotova leading with approximately 34.6% of the vote, closely followed by Gyurov with around 32.04%. The election was characterized by a record low voter turnout, which observers attribute to public mistrust in politicians.
The runoff campaign has already begun, with both candidates articulating their messages. President Iotova has emphasized a message of peace, while Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that the upcoming election presents a choice between peace and war. Meanwhile, politician Radostin Vasilev has advised voters to either support Gyurov in the runoff or abstain.
In other significant domestic news, a person has been charged in connection with the assassination of businessman and former MEP Slavi Binev. Additionally, prosecutors have taken a notable step by appointing a dissenting figure to the Supreme Judicial Council.