Bulgaria has its first female president. Iliana Yotova won the elections

Iliana Jotowa's victory in the Bulgarian presidential elections strengthens Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who supported her candidacy. Jotowa plans to continue Radev's pro-European policies while improving relations with Russia and advocating for the lifting of sanctions. She opposes military aid to Ukraine, arguing for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. Her opponent, Andrej Giurow, supports Ukraine and signed a security cooperation agreement with Kyiv. The elections occurred amid drone attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea, raising international concerns. Jotowa, a former journalist, has served as vice president and will be sworn in on January 22, 2027.