Bulgaria’s Presidential Runoff Tests NATO Loyalty Amid Black Sea Drone Crisis
Bulgarian voters face a critical runoff on November 1 to choose between pro-Moscow incumbent Iliana Yotova and pro-Western challenger Andrey Gyurov. The decision comes as drone attacks on Black Sea shipping escalate, with Yotova advocating for diplomatic engagement with Russia and Gyurov urging stronger NATO cooperation. Record-low turnout in the first round suggests deep public apathy, though the outcome will determine if Bulgaria becomes a disruptive ally within the EU and NATO.