Bulgaria holds presidential elections amid Black Sea security concerns

Bulgaria is conducting presidential elections amid heightened security concerns following a series of drone attacks against commercial vessels in the Black Sea. The election serves as a critical test for the government of Rumen Radev.

Leading candidate Iliana Gyotova, the incumbent president, favors diplomatic dialogue with Moscow and opposes continued military aid to Ukraine. Her candidacy is supported by the ruling coalition and the Bulgarian Socialist Party. Her main opponent, Andrei Gyurov, a former central bank deputy governor and prime minister, advocates for Bulgaria to be a “reliable NATO partner” through strong diplomacy and military preparedness. A third candidate, Kostadin Kostadinov, leads the far-right, pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party.

The election highlights deep societal divisions regarding relations with Russia and Western allies. Security in the Black Sea has become a central campaign issue following drone strikes near Bulgarian and Romanian coasts, including the sinking of the Comoros-flagged cargo ship Khoryv and attacks on the chemical tanker Wine Trader.