# Roma intimidation in Bulgarian presidential election

> Bulgaria's Iliana Iotova wins presidential election amid police intimidation of Roma voters.
- Title: Roma intimidation in Bulgarian presidential election
- Summary: Bulgaria's Iliana Iotova wins presidential election amid police intimidation of Roma voters.
- Keywords: bulgaria, iliana iotova, presidential election, roma, police intimidation, press freedom, bulgarian socialist party, pro russian stance, EUobserver
- Source: EUobserver — https://euobserver.com/246567/roma-intimidation-in-bulgarian-presidentials-as-iliana-iotovas-win-raises-alarm-bells-for-press-freedom
- Published: 2026-11-04T12:28:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bulgaria, iliana iotova, presidential election, roma, police intimidation, press freedom, bulgarian socialist party, pro russian stance, politics, world
## Roma intimidation amid low turnout
Bulgarian Roma voters saw record low turnout amid police intimidation at polling stations.

> Many Radev supporters have become disappointed that he didn't do good on his promises to fight inflation or to take meaningful steps against corruption and oligarchy or for judicial reform
## Iotova's presidential victory
Iliana Iotova won 57.6 percent of votes against Andrey Gyurov's 39.5 percent in presidential election run-off.
## Alarm bells for press freedom
Media experts warn Iotova's pro-Russian stance threatens press freedom as police target Roma voters.

> The current political offer remains extremely limited towards Roma voters. Future political offers should include housing and land, education and employment, support for Roma entrepreneurship, culture and identity
## Key takeaway

Bulgarian politician Iliana Iotova won the presidential election with 57.6% of votes after police intimidation of Roma voters raised concerns for press freedom.