Bulgaria is holding a parliamentary election on Sunday, April 19, which is an early or snap vote. This election follows the resignation of a conservative-led government in December 2025 amid nationwide anti-corruption protests, according to multiple reports. Rumen Radev, who resigned from the presidency in January to run for prime minister, is the clear favorite to win the election.
He leads the Progressive Bulgaria coalition, which is polling at around 31%, and is campaigning on an anti-corruption platform to dismantle the oligarchy. Radev has expressed pro-Russian views and criticized military aid to Ukraine, as reported by multiple sources. He also criticized Bulgaria's adoption of the euro, according to major media, with Bulgaria having joined the eurozone on January 1 this year.
Radev's main rival is Boyko Borissov, leader of the GERB party, which is polling at around 21%. Authorities detained over 200 people for electoral coercion weeks before the vote, according to major media, highlighting challenges to electoral integrity. Opinion polls predict turnout could jump to over 50% from an average of 35% in recent elections, as reported by major media.
Bulgaria requested EU assistance last month to counter Russian influence campaigns, according to major media, underscoring broader geopolitical implications. Radev needs a coalition partner to govern as he is far from a majority, according to multiple reports. Analysts describe Radev as a difficult-to-define figure who keeps his cards close to his chest, according to major media.
The election outcome could reshape Bulgaria's political landscape amid ongoing anti-corruption efforts and foreign policy debates.