Former president Rumen Radev's new party, Progressive Bulgaria, is leading in polls ahead of the election. Radev resigned as president in January 2026, before the end of his second term, to launch a bid to become prime minister. He campaigns to dismantle the oligarchy and remove the corrupt, oligarchic model of governance. According to Euronews, Decho Kostadinov described his motivation for voting as a desire for change, saying those in power should leave and take whatever they’ve stolen with them.
Radev advocates for renewing ties with Russia and opposes military aid to Ukraine. He has stated that Crimea is Russian regardless of what anyone claims. Radev denounced a 10-year defense agreement between Bulgaria and Ukraine signed last month. In a public speech, he called for unity, according to reports.
Crimea is Russian regardless of what anyone claims.
Boyko Borissov's pro-European GERB party is likely to come second in the election. Voter turnout is expected to increase significantly in this election compared to recent ones. Authorities detained over 200 people for electoral coercion just weeks before the vote. According to Euronews, Elena described her intention to vote to preserve what Bulgaria has, noting it is a democratic country where people live well.
Bulgaria joined the eurozone on January 1, 2026, and entered the Schengen area shortly before. However, it remains the poorest member of the European Union by GDP per capita. Bulgaria requested EU assistance last month to counter Russian attempts to influence public opinion through social media and propaganda, according to major media reports.
We need to close ranks.
Radev opposes the EU's green energy policy, which he considers naive. This stance could complicate Bulgaria's relations with the bloc if he assumes power. The final election results and voter turnout remain unknown, as do which parties will form a coalition government if no single party wins a majority.
Potential outcomes hinge on whether Progressive Bulgaria can secure a majority or must negotiate with other factions. If Radev becomes prime minister, his pro-Russian stance may affect Bulgaria's relations with the EU and NATO, though the extent of this impact is unclear. Specific measures to address corruption and oligarchic control under a Radev-led government have not been detailed. The effectiveness of EU assistance in countering Russian influence campaigns in Bulgaria is also uncertain.