CC by 2.5 BG – Adapted
Name? Iliana Yotova
Westphalian identity? Bulgarian
Age? 62
Why is she in the news? Last Sunday, pro-Russian interim president Iliana Yotova won the Bulgarian presidential elections with 58% of the votes. Former president Radev, now prime minister of Bulgaria, resigned in January, making Yotova acting president for the majority of this year already. Her election formalises a near-unitary doveish stance toward Russia in the Bulgarian government.
Why do we care? Bulgaria is a member of both the European Union and NATO. The country is also one of three NATO members with a Black Sea coast, amplifying their vulnerability to Russia’s “collateral damage” close to NATO members’ borders. To this end, Yotova has expressed the need for diplomatic relations with Russia and a halt in arms supply to Ukraine. This stance is in direct contrast to most other members of both the EU and NATO, which maintain firm sanctions against Russia and consistently support Ukraine both militarily and financially. Bulgaria’s overwhelming support for a more lenient approach to Russia therefore challenges these institutions’ ability to act in unison.
Why should you care? The war in Ukraine is rearing its social and political ramifications beyond Kyiv. Europe’s (and NATO’s) ability and opportunity to respond decisively is dwindling as the war goes on. Those closer to the front lines, as Yotova argues, are responsible for guaranteeing the security of their own citizens despite the EU and NATO’s hardline against Russia; an opposite approach to the Baltic countries, where leaders drew closer to Brussels seeking collective security.
Who else cares? Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, congratulated Yotova following the victory, stressing the importance of continued cooperation between Bulgaria and the EU. Given that unanimity within the EU Council is needed for policy implementation, keeping close relations with Redev and Yotova is essential for the Commission President to keep EU interests aligned.
Any further comments? It is not Yotova who holds the most power in Bulgaria, but Prime Minister Radev.