After the parliamentary elections in Bulgaria, the most recent projections now put the centre-right alliance of former Prime Minister Boiko Borissov in the lead. His alliance got around 26 percent of the votes in Sunday’s election – the fifth in two years. The liberal-conservative bloc was just behind with around 25 percent.
In initial forecasts based on post-election polls, the order of the political camps, both of which are considered pro-Western, was reversed. The projections were published by three opinion research institutes on Monday night.
Borisov’s GERB-SDS alliance had already governed the country, which belongs to the EU and NATO, until 2021 – when his third term as prime minister ended. His camp agrees with the liberal-conservative electoral bloc PP-DB on supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia. Both also advocate arms deliveries to the attacked country.
Corruption widespread
At the end of 2022, the parliament in Sofia approved the first military aid package for Kiev. But head of state Rumen Radev declared that Bulgaria would not supply arms to Ukraine as long as the interim cabinet he had appointed is in power. Borisov called on the pro-Western parties to form a regular government after this election.
The PP and DB were involved in a four-party government with Prime Minister Kiril Petkov (PP) until June 2022, which was overthrown by a vote of no confidence. The GERB-SDS alliance was voted out of office in 2021 after allegations of corruption and protests.
Corruption is a widespread problem in the country of 6.5 million people. In terms of per capita economic output, Bulgaria is the poorest EU member state.
According to the projections, at least five parties are likely to move into parliament – including the pro-Russian and nationalist Wasraschdane (Rebirth) and the pro-Russian Socialists, who will co-govern until 2022. The official final result should be available by Thursday at the latest.
