As of 7:00 a.m. Sunday morning (4/19), polling stations opened in Bulgaria, with citizens casting their votes in the parliamentary elections.
The process concludes at 5 p.m., with the eighth election in five years.
Voter interest appears to be heightened. Estimates put turnout at around 60%, up significantly from 34% in the June 2024 election.
Note that the country is still in political crisis, with repeated elections and short-lived governments. And the mood remains charged, a few months after the adoption of the euro, which was accompanied by an increase in the cost of living.
Radev is the favorite, according to polls
According to the latest polls, Rumen Radev, head of the “Progressive Bulgaria” (PB) party, appears to be the frontrunner, with a share of around 35%.
He has set political stability and the fight against corruption as key priorities. At the same time, it distances itself from sending military aid to Ukraine, adopting a more cautious stance.
Recall that he resigned from the presidency in January, seeking to run for prime minister, while the previous government collapsed in December after massive protests.
Drop for GERB and partnership scenarios
Former Prime Minister Boiko Borissov’s GERB is listed in second place, with about 18%.
Radev has made it clear that he does not intend to work with either GERB or the “Movement for Rights and Freedoms“.
On the flip side, the pro-European “Continuing Change – Democratic Bulgaria” (PP-DB), which has close to 12%, is considered a possible partner in a governing coalition.
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