Bulgaria Votes with Pro-Russian Former President Leading Polls Amid Corruption Concerns
Bulgarians are set to cast their ballots on Sunday in the country's eighth parliamentary election within just five years. The clear frontrunner is pro-Russian former president Rumen Radev, who has promised to break the cycle of weak, short-lived governments and tackle widespread corruption that has plagued the nation.
Radev's Campaign Gains Momentum
Rumen Radev, a euroskeptic former fighter pilot who opposes military support for Ukraine's war effort against Moscow, stepped down from the presidency in January to run in this election. His campaign follows mass protests that forced out the previous government in December.
A sophisticated social media strategy, substantial financial resources, and pledges of stability have significantly boosted Radev's support in this Balkan country of approximately 6.5 million people. Voters have grown weary of repeated snap elections and a small group of veteran politicians widely perceived as corrupt.
Key Election Issues and Voter Sentiment
The cost of living has emerged as a critical concern since Bulgaria adopted the euro in January. The previous government collapsed amid protests against a new budget proposing tax increases and higher social security contributions. For many voters, economic pressures appear more pressing than Radev's calls to improve relations with Moscow or resume Russian oil and gas flows to Europe.
"I will put my trust in the new general in politics," said Georgi Bozhkov, a 37-year-old civil servant concerned about rising bills. "When there is something new, we should try the new thing."
Polling Numbers and Political Landscape
Recent opinion polls show Radev's Progressive Bulgaria party commanding about 35 percent support, up from a month ago. If confirmed, this would represent one of the strongest performances by a single party in years, though still short of a parliamentary majority.
Voter interest appears significantly higher than in previous elections. A poll by Sofia-based Alpha Research forecasts turnout around 60 percent, nearly double the 34 percent recorded in June 2024.
These figures highlight growing frustration with the long dominance of the GERB party led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, which trails in second place with about 18 percent support. Also facing voter skepticism is the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, whose leader Delyan Peevski is under US and UK sanctions for corruption.
Potential Coalition Scenarios
One possible coalition partner is the pro-European We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB) coalition, which also advocates for reform. However, critics point out that Radev bears some responsibility for controversial decisions made by interim governments he appointed during his presidency from 2016 onward.
These include a 2023 gas deal between Turkish state gas company Botas and Bulgaria's Bulgargaz that resulted in financial losses and triggered an investigation.
"Any coalition that is formed is likely to suffer from government instability and face significant scrutiny from civil society and the opposition," said Mario Bikarski, an analyst at risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft. "Another snap election in 2026 is less likely now, but remains a significant possibility."
Bulgaria's Development Challenges
Bulgaria has experienced rapid development since the fall of communism in 1989 and joined the European Union in 2007. Life expectancy has increased substantially, unemployment stands as the lowest in the EU, and the economy has gained greater safeguards since joining the euro zone.
Despite these advances, corruption remains endemic, including in elections where vote-buying is widespread. Bulgaria ranks 84th in Transparency International's 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, sharing the lowest score in the EU alongside Hungary.
"We really, really hope that something will change, and that these corrupt rulers of ours will be replaced," said 82-year-old pensioner Temenuzhka Vaseva, echoing the sentiment of many Bulgarian voters seeking a break from the past.
