Iotova Wins Bulgarian Presidential Vote with 58% Share

Initial results show Iliana Iotova has won Bulgaria's presidential runoff by securing 58 percent of the vote against rival Andrey Gyurov, who conceded defeat at approximately 38 percent. If confirmed on Monday, Iotova would become the nation's first elected female head of state and continue her role as acting president following Prime Minister Rumen Radev's resignation to run in January. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Iotova via social media X, while exit polls suggest voter participation reached between 27 and 29 percent, slightly higher than the record-low turnout of last week.