Bulgaria is holding parliamentary elections on Sunday, April 19, according to election authorities. This is the eighth parliamentary election in Bulgaria in five years, reflecting ongoing political instability. The election follows the resignation of a conservative-led government in December 2025 amid nationwide anti-corruption protests, as reported by political analysts.
Former president Rumen Radev's new party, Progressive Bulgaria, is leading in polls. Polls indicate Radev's party has about 33% support. Radev resigned as president in January 2026 and now advocates for a more normal stance toward Russia, saying Crimea is Russian, according to his campaign statements. He opposes military aid to Ukraine, as stated in his policy platform. Radev campaigns to dismantle the oligarchic governance model, according to his party's manifesto. His party's rise represents a significant shift in Bulgarian politics toward more Russia-friendly positions.
We need to close ranks.
Boyko Borissov's GERB party is likely to come second in the election, according to poll projections. Voter turnout is expected to increase significantly in this election, based on electoral commission estimates. Authorities detained over 200 people for electoral coercion weeks before the vote, according to law enforcement reports. The election dynamics suggest heightened public engagement despite concerns about electoral integrity.
Bulgaria joined the eurozone on January 1, 2026, and entered the Schengen area shortly before, according to EU officials. Despite these milestones, Bulgaria remains the poorest EU member by GDP per capita, based on Eurostat data. According to government sources, Bulgaria requested EU assistance to counter Russian influence operations on social media. This request highlights ongoing security challenges as the country navigates its international relationships.