2026 Bulgarian parliamentary election
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19 April 2026
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All 240 seats in the National Assembly 121 seats needed for a majority | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Turnout | 50.70% ( 11.89pp) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This lists parties that won seats. See the complete results below.
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Parliamentary elections were held in Bulgaria on 19 April 2026 to elect 240 members of the National Assembly. The vote was triggered by the resignation of the Zhelyazkov government on 11 December 2025 following widespread anti-corruption protests. It marked the country's seventh snap election since April 2021, the result of a five-year political crisis in Bulgaria. Key campaign issues included political corruption, the cost of living, foreign electoral interference, and allegations of vote buying.
The political scene was shifted significantly by the January 2026 resignation of President Rumen Radev, who entered parliamentary politics by forming the centre-left populist Progressive Bulgaria (PB) coalition. Radev campaigned on a platform to dismantle the oligarchic system. The pro-European conservative GERB–SDS and the liberal We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (PP–DB) entered the race as the largest established blocs.
In an election that saw an increase in voter turnout at 51.2%, PB obtained a landslide victory with 44.6% of the vote. This resulted in an absolute majority of seats, which observers suggested could resolve the prolonged political crisis. Most other parties lost seats, and nearly 20% of the total vote went to parties that failed to meet the 4% electoral threshold. While PP–DB gained one seat, GERB–SDS lost half of its support and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) recorded its weakest result since 1994. Moreover, the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP)-led BSP – United Left (BSP–OL) alliance finished short of the threshold, leaving it with no seats in the National Assembly for the first time since its foundation in 1991. As a result, the BSP, successor of the Bulgarian Communist Party (BKP), will not be represented in the National Assembly for the first time since the end of Communism in Bulgaria. Every far-right party except Revival (which lost 60% of its seats) also fell out of the Assembly.
Analysts characterized the result as a win for Eurosceptic and pro-Russian sentiment, citing Radev's previous criticism of the European Union (EU) and his willingness to pursue relations with Russia. These positions drew comparisons to the governments of Viktor Orbán in Hungary and Robert Fico in Slovakia, although such characterizations remained a subject of debate. Following his victory, Radev received congratulations from both EU and Russian leadership, and maintained that his administration would pursue a pragmatic foreign policy.
Background
[edit]After seven snap elections, the National Assembly failed to form a long-term government as anti-corruption parties made a breakthrough in the April 2021 elections, which started the political crisis, which was further complicated by the entrance of far-right parties.[1] The October 2024 Bulgarian parliamentary election produced a minority government headed by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov (a member of GERB), comprising GERB–SDS, BSP–OL, and There is Such a People (ITN), with Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (APS), which split from DPS as a result of a rift between two of the party's factions, supporting the government in confidence votes;[2] however, as a result of a ruling by the Constitutional Court of Bulgaria in March 2025, the far-right Velichie entered the National Assembly, bringing down the coalition to exactly the minimum 121 seats compared to the 119 seats held by the opposition.[3][4][5]
Following DPS – New Beginning (DPS–NN) leader Delyan Peevski's commitment to support the government if the recalculation resulted in the loss of the government's majority, Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (APS) withdrew from the government in April 2025 because they refused to support a government with Peevski.[6][7] Days later, the government survived a no-confidence vote due to Peevski's support, effectively creating a de facto confidence and supply agreement.[8] Since taking office in January 2025, the Zhelyazkov government survived several no-confidence votes,[9][10] bringing the total to five by September 2025.[11] In December 2025, the Zhelyazkov government resigned after weeks of protests over the 2026 budget and corruption within the government.[12][13] The Zhelyazkov government's primary commitment had been the country's entry into the eurozone in 2026,[14][15][16] which it achieved in 2025 when Bulgaria had its final hurdles cleared and adopted the legal framework to make the entry possible.[17]
As President, Radev took a critical stance on adopting the eurozone and attempted to delay it by calling a referendum,[18] a move described as illegal because the Constitutional Court had already clarified in 2024 that Bulgaria was obliged to adopt the euro by its European treaties that were ratified when it joined the EU.[19] Radev's attempt was rejected by Nataliya Kiselova (the BSP–OL-supported Speaker of the National Assembly of Bulgaria),[20] and the decision was upheld by the Constitutional Court,[21] which Radev sharply criticised.[22] After it was confirmed there would be new elections in 2026, the eighth election of the political crisis, Radev resigned as President to contest the elections,[23] seeking to become Prime Minister and describing his political project as a "powerful political alternative" to return Bulgarians' trust in their state, with "clear rules for everyone".[24]
On 18 February 2026, President Iliana Iotova appointed a caretaker government led by Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov, a former member of We Continue the Change (PP) who left PP and the parliament in 2023, and set a parliamentary election to be held on 19 April 2026.[25][26][27] Gyurov's government had asked the EU for help to fight off interference from Russia ahead of the election, warning foreign actors were trying to manipulate public opinion through social media networks and propaganda websites.[28] Radev responded by saying his party's likely success in the elections could trigger the "Romanian model", which would lead to annulled elections, such as in the 2024 Romanian presidential election, where a far-right candidate's first place finish in the first round was annulled by courts citing "foreign interference".[29]
Electoral system
[edit]The 240 members of the National Assembly were elected by an open list and proportional representation system from 31 multi-member constituencies ranging in size from four to nineteen seats. The electoral threshold was 4% for all political parties or electoral coalitions, with seats allocated according to the largest remainder method using a Hare quota.[30][31][32]
Political parties
[edit]Parliamentary parties
[edit]There were nine political party groups represented in the 51st National Assembly.[33]
| Name | Ideology | Position | Leader(s) | 2024 result | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes (%) | Seats | ||||||
| GERB–SDS | GERB–SDS | Conservatism | Centre-right | Boyko Borisov | 25.52% | 66 / 240
| |
| PP–DB | We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria | Liberalism | Centre to centre-right |
Assen Vassilev Ivaylo Mirchev Bozhidar Bozhanov Atanas Atanasov |
13.75% | 36 / 240
| |
| Revival | Revival | Ultranationalism | Far-right | Kostadin Kostadinov | 12.92% | 33 / 240
| |
| DPS | Movement for Rights and Freedoms | Minority interests (Turks) | Centre | Delyan Peevski | 11.13% | 29 / 240
| |
| BSP–OL | BSP – United Left | Social democracy | Centre-left | Krum Zarkov | 7.32% | 19 / 240
| |
| APS | Alliance for Rights and Freedoms | Minority interests (Turks) | Centre | Collective leadership | 7.24% | 19 / 240
| |
| ITN | There is Such a People | National conservatism | Right-wing | Slavi Trifonov | 6.56% | 16 / 240
| |
| MECh | Morality, Unity, Honour | Right-wing populism | Far-right | Radostin Vassilev | 4.45% | 11 / 240
| |
| Velichie | Velichie | Bulgarian nationalism | Far-right | Albena Pekova | 3.87% | 10 / 240
| |
Contesting parties and coalitions
[edit]There were 24 official parties and coalitions that registered lists for the Bulgarian parliamentary election and were present on the ballot for the election.[34]
Campaign
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In January 2026, Radev resigned as President of Bulgaria,[35] forming Progressive Bulgaria (PB), a centre-left party,[36] to contest the election. Among the significant issues of Bulgaria that were key to the campaign were a cost of living crisis, as well as corruption and vote buying, as Radev supported the anti-corruption protests and promised to get rid of the "oligarchic governance model".[37][38][39] At campaign rallies, he vowed to "remove the corrupt, oligarchic model of governance from political power."[37][38][39] Radev launched the electoral programme of PB on 19 March,[40] the eve of the beginning of the official campaign period.[41] In Radev's speech, he vowed to dismantle the oligarchic system that controlled state institution and pledged to prevent oligarchs from accessing public finance, promising to free the private sector from racketeering.[40] 4,786 candidates, of whom 3,347 men and 1,439 women, ran for the National Assembly.[41] According to preliminary data from the Central Electoral Commission (CEC), a total of 6,641,768 Bulgarian citizens were eligible to vote.[41]
The campaign period was dominated with a crackdown on vote buying, with an initial police operation taking place in Haskovo on 18 March resulting in the arrest of three people.[42] On 26 March, the caretaker Minister of the Interior Emil Dechev stated that breaches of election law were between 500% to 600% up compared with the same period before the October 2024 parliamentary election.[43] Further arrests relating to vote buying took place, with a 53-year-old man being arrested on 8 April who was in possession of more than €40,000 and two people being arrested on 9 April who were in possession of €88,720.[44] By 14 April, more than €1 million had been confiscated in operations against vote buying by police.[45] Caretaker Prime Minister Gyurov warned on 15 April that a scheme to buy votes using counterfeit euro banknotes was being prepared.[46] A routine stop on 16 April upon a candidate driving a car resulted in the reveal of lists of names alongside a sum of euro banknotes, while a police operation upon four addresses on 17 April in Varna resulted in a seizure of €200,000.[47] After the campaign period concluded on 17 April,[41] election silence was imposed from 18 April to election day on 19 April.[48] The Ministry of Interior revealed after the closure of polls on 19 April that DPS and GERB–SDS ranked first and second in official reports of vote buying, respectively generating 631 and 318 reports.[49][50][51]
Opinion polls
[edit]
- Colour key
Exit poll
| Polling firm | Fieldwork date | Sample | GERB–SDS | PP–DB | Vaz. | DPS | BSP–OL | APS | ITN | MECh | Veli. | SB | PB[c] | Siy. | Others | NOTA | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 election | 19 Apr 2026 | N/a | 13.4 39 |
12.6 37 |
4.3 12 |
7.1 21 |
3.0 0 |
1.6 0 |
0.7 0 |
3.2 0 |
3.1 0 |
0.6 0 |
44.6 131 |
2.9 0 |
2.9 | –[d] | 30.7 |
| MarketLinks | 19 Apr 2026 (20:45) | n/a | 15.6 47 |
13.4 40 |
5.1 15 |
7.5 22 |
3.7 0 |
1.3 0 |
2.0 0 |
3.1 0 |
3.0 0 |
0.7 0 |
39.1 116 |
3.3 0 |
2.2 0 |
– | 23.5 |
| Myara | 19 Apr 2026 | n/a | 14.8 42 |
13.1 37 |
5.3 15 |
9.2 26 |
4.0 11 |
1.7 0 |
1.5 0 |
3.2 0 |
3.4 0 |
0.5 0 |
38.7 109 |
2.4 0 |
2.2 0 |
– | 23.9 |
| MarketLinks | 19 Apr 2026 (19:00) | n/a | 15.4 44 |
13.6 39 |
5.1 14 |
7.5 21 |
4.1 12 |
1.3 0 |
2.0 0 |
3.2 0 |
3.0 0 |
0.7 0 |
38.9 110 |
3.2 0 |
2.0 0 |
– | 23.5 |
| Alpha Research | 19 Apr 2026 | n/a | 16.2 46 |
14.3 40 |
4.9 14 |
8.4 24 |
4.1 11 |
2.8 0 |
1.0 0 |
2.9 0 |
2.7 0 |
0.8 0 |
37.5 105 |
2.6 0 |
1.8 0 |
– | 21.3 |
| Trend | 19 Apr 2026 | n/a | 15.1 43 |
13.3 38 |
5.0 14 |
8.1 23 |
4.2 11 |
2.1 0 |
1.6 0 |
2.7 0 |
2.4 0 |
0.7 0 |
39.2 111 |
3.1 0 |
1.8 0 |
– | 24.1 |
| Trend | 13–16 Apr 2026 | 1,004 | 19.1 | 11.2 | 7.1 | 10.2 | 4.0 | 1.6 | 2.1 | 3.7 | 1.7 | 1.0 | 33.2 | 3.9 | 1.2 | – | 14.1 |
| Gallup | 8–16 Apr 2026 | 803 | 21.0 | 10.7 | 6.8 | 10.5 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 2.8 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 31.6 | 3.2 | 2.6 | 2.8[e] | 10.6 |
| Alpha Research | 13–15 Apr 2026 | 1,003 | 19.5 | 11.6 | 5.8 | 9.4 | 4.0 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 2.8 | 2.9 | 1.0 | 34.2 | 3.2 | 2.6 | – | 14.7 |
| MarketLinks[f] | 7–14 Apr 2026 | 1,003 | 19.8 57 |
13.1 37 |
5.6 16 |
7.5 21 |
3.0 0 |
– | – | 3.1 0 |
3.4 0 |
– | 38.0 109 |
3.1 0 |
3.4 0 |
– | 18.2 |
| CAM | 3–14 Apr 2026 | 1,011 | 19.4 | 12.0 | 7.0 | 11.2 | 4.2 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 2.8 | 2.0 | 1.1 | 32.1 | 2.1 | – | – | 12.7 |
| Myara | 4–13 Apr 2026 | 1,002 | 18.5 | 11.4 | 7.4 | 9.1 | 4.0 | 1.9 | 1.4 | 3.5 | 2.2 | – | 34.6 | 3.6 | 2.4 | – | 16.1 |
| Sova Harris | 2–6 Apr 2026 | 800 | 19.0 | 11.2 | 7.8 | 9.7 | 4.5 | 2.3 | – | 3.1 | 2.0 | – | 33.6 | 3.1 | 3.7[g] | 14.6 | |
| Gallup | 20–30 Mar 2026 | 820 | 23.4 | 10.9 | 6.5 | 10.7 | 3.0 | 0.9 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 28.4 | 3.0 | 4.7 | 2.6[e] | 5.0 |
| Alpha Research | 19–26 Mar 2026 | 1,000 | 21.2 | 11.1 | 6.9 | 9.8 | 3.9 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 3.0 | 2.7 | 1.6 | 30.8 | 2.8 | 3.6 | – | 9.6 |
| MarketLinks | 17–21 Mar 2026 | 1,008 | 22.2 | 13.3 | 5.5 | 10.5 | 3.7 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 3.2 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 29.1 | 2.0 | 3.3 | 16.1[e] | 6.9 |
| 20 Mar 2026 | Official start of the election campaign. | ||||||||||||||||
| Alpha Research | 12–20 Mar 2026 | 1,000 | 20.7 | 11.5 | 6.8 | 9.9 | 3.8 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 3.3 | 2.2 | 1.5 | 29.4 | 2.4 | 4.9 | – | 8.7 |
| Trend | 13–19 Mar 2026 | 1,001 | 19.7 | 11.8 | 7.9 | 10.5 | 4.0 | 1.7 | 2.6 | 3.2 | 1.5 | – | 31.1 | 2.9 | 3.1 | – | 11.4 |
| Myara | 7–16 Mar 2026 | 809 | 19.3 | 12.9 | 7.9 | 10.6 | 4.1 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 3.6 | 2.5 | – | 30.8 | 2.3 | 3.3 | – | 11.5 |
| MarketLinks | 7–15 Mar 2026 | 1,006 | 23.5 | 15.2 | 6.2 | 9.1 | 3.8 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 3.5 | 3.4 | 1.5 | 26.7 | 1.3 | 3.9 | 1.8[e] | 3.2 |
| Sova Harris | 7–12 Mar 2026 | 1,000 | 19.3 | 12.2 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 4.4 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 3.8 | 2.5 | – | 30.9 | 2.9 | 6.2 | –[e] | 11.6 |
| Alpha Research | 23 Feb–2 Mar 2026 | 1,000 | 19.7 | 12.6 | 6.4 | 9.6 | 3.6 | 1.6 | 1.2 | 3.5 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 32.6 | – | 5.9 | –[e] | 12.9 |
| Gallup | 10–28 Feb 2026 | 800 | 20.1 | 11.3 | 6.2 | 11.2 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 2.9 | 3.4 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 30.6 | – | 7.1 | 2.7[e] | 10.5 |
| CAM | 17–24 Feb 2026 | 1,010 | 19.8 | 13.8 | 8.5 | 10.8 | 3.8 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 3.7 | 1.3 | – | 35.3 | – | 1.2 | 1.5[e] | 15.5 |
| Trend | 12–18 Feb 2026 | 1,002 | 20.4 | 10.9 | 7.8 | 10.5 | 3.8 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 3.6 | 1.6 | – | 32.7 | – | 4.5 | –[e] | 12.3 |
| Myara | 9–15 Feb 2026 | 812 | 18.9 | 12.7 | 6.8 | 10.7 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 3.9 | 2.3 | – | 33.3 | – | 3.7 | 1.5[e] | 14.4 |
| MarketLinks | 7–13 Feb 2026 | 1,019 | 18.9 | 15.3 | 5.5 | 12.9 | 2.8 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 3.1 | 2.1 | – | 31.3 | – | 4.0 | 1.8[e] | 12.7 |
| 23 Jan 2026 | President Radev's resignation is accepted by the Constitutional Court. | ||||||||||||||||
| 19 Jan 2026 | President Rumen Radev announces his intention to resign his post and enter active politics. | ||||||||||||||||
| MarketLinks | 18–29 Dec 2025 | 1,008 | 24.1 | 18.9 | 12.4 | 12.2 | 7.3 | 4.3 | 3.2 | 7.1 | 3.6 | – | – | – | 6.7 | 3.3[e] | 5.2 |
| Alpha Research | 5–12 Dec 2025 | 1,009 | 24.7 | 20.5 | 13.4 | 10.8 | 5.7 | 1.9 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 2.4 | – | – | – | 11.4 | –[e] | 4.5 |
| 11 Dec 2025 | The Zhelyazkov government resigns. | ||||||||||||||||
| MarketLinks | 3–7 Dec 2025 | 1,009 | 24.1 | 20.9 | 13.2 | 12.9 | 6.7 | 1.7 | 3.1 | 7.5 | 3.7 | – | – | – | 6.2 | –[e] | 3.2 |
| Gallup | 29 Sep–12 Oct 2025 | 904 | 28.3 | 14.4 | 13.8 | 18.1 | 7.9 | 1.2 | 6.0 | 5.9 | 4.4 | – | – | – | 3.2 | –[e] | 10.2 |
| Trend | 13–20 Sep 2025 | 1,004 | 28.4 | 14.3 | 14.9 | 14.5 | 7.7 | 2.7 | 6.1 | 7.0 | 4.4 | – | – | – | 6.9 | –[e] | 13.5 |
| Myara | 4–12 Sep 2025 | 802 | 28.7 | 14.8 | 14.6 | 14.5 | 7.1 | 2.8 | 5.7 | 7.0 | 4.8 | – | – | – | 6.2 | –[e] | 13.9 |
| Gallup | 11–23 Jul 2025 | 800 | 27.5 | 13.5 | 14.1 | 18.6 | 8.4 | 1.5 | 5.6 | 6.5 | 4.4 | – | – | – | 6.1[h] | –[e] | 8.9 |
| Alpha Research | 7–14 Jul 2025 | 1,000 | 28.3 | 15.4 | 12.8 | 14.6 | 9.0 | 3.1 | 5.2 | 7.0 | 4.6 | – | – | – | 10.0[i] | –[e] | 12.9 |
| Sova Harris | 9–11 Jun 2025 | 1,000 | 25.0 | 13.9 | 14.4 | 8.7 | 7.0 | 5.9 | 4.5 | 5.7 | 5.2 | – | – | – | 9.7 | –[e] | 10.6 |
| Gallup | 28 May–4 Jun 2025 | 1,204 | 25.1 | 14.5 | 13.7 | 16.1 | 7.2 | 4.0 | 5.2 | 5.6 | 3.8 | – | – | – | 4.8 | 2.3[e] | 9.0 |
| Trend | 12–18 May 2025 | 1,001 | 26.2 | 13.8 | 13.5 | 11.6 | 6.8 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 5.9 | 3.9 | 1.1 | – | – | 5.4 | –[e] | 12.4 |
| MarketLinks | 18–30 Apr 2025 | 1,010 | 25.4 | 17.2 | 13.0 | 12.9 | 6.8 | 6.2 | 4.3 | 5.2 | 4.6 | – | – | – | 4.5 | 2.9[e] | 7.0 |
| 17 Apr 2025 | DPS–NN supports the government.[52] | ||||||||||||||||
| Myara | 3–13 Apr 2025 | 807 | 27.9 | 15.0 | 14.0 | 10.9 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 6.7 | 6.5 | 4.5 | – | – | – | 5.2 | –[e] | 12.9 |
| 30 Mar 2025 | APS withdraws its support from the government.[53] | ||||||||||||||||
| MarketLinks | 22–30 Mar 2025 | 1,004 | 26.3 | 16.9 | 12.5 | 12.8 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 5.1 | 5.0 | 5.0 | – | – | – | 2.1 | 2.5[e] | 9.4 |
| Gallup | 19–30 Mar 2025 | 846 | 25.8 | 15.4 | 12.3 | 16.0 | 6.6 | 5.3 | 5.1 | 4.8 | 3.9 | – | – | – | 5.1 | –[e] | 9.6 |
| Trend | 10–16 Mar 2025 | 1,020 | 26.7 | 13.6 | 12.5 | 10.9 | 6.9 | 6.7 | 5.9 | 5.7 | 3.9 | 1.1 | – | – | 6.1 | –[e] | 13.1 |
| 13 Mar 2025 | The Constitutional Court orders a seat re-calculation and Velichie re-enters the National Assembly.[54][55] | ||||||||||||||||
| MarketLinks | 22 Feb–2 Mar 2025 | 1,025 | 25.7 | 16.0 | 13.0 | 13.4 | 6.8 | 7.5 | 4.3 | 4.9 | – | – | – | – | 8.3 | 2.7[e] | 9.7 |
| Gallup | 13–20 Feb 2025 | 841 | 26.5 | 11.8 | 12.6 | 12.5 | 8.2 | 5.9 | 5.2 | 4.7 | 3.8 | – | – | – | 5.0 | –[e] | 13.9 |
| Myara | 6–16 Feb 2025 | 803 | 28.2 | 14.8 | 14.4 | 10.8 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 6.8 | 6.3 | 4.0 | – | – | – | 5.9 | –[e] | 13.4 |
| MarketLinks | 25 Jan–3 Feb 2025 | 1,008 | 27.5 | 15.5 | 13.1 | 11.0 | 6.6 | 8.4 | 4.9 | 4.1 | – | – | – | – | 8.9 | 2.7[e] | 12.3 |
| Trend | 24–30 Jan 2025 | 1,003 | 26.6 | 13.2 | 13.0 | 10.3 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 5.9 | 5.6 | 3.8 | 1.2 | – | – | 6.4 | –[e] | 13.4 |
| Alpha Research | 15–20 Jan 2025 | 1,000 | 27.3 | 14.1 | 13.8 | 11.4 | 8.4 | 7.9 | 6.5 | 4.2 | – | – | – | – | 4.9 | –[e] | 13.2 |
| 16 Jan 2025 | The Zhelyazkov government is sworn in. | ||||||||||||||||
| Gallup | 8–12 Jan 2025 | 800 | 26.6 | 13.6 | 14.2 | 14.1 | 8.4 | 6.8 | 5.3 | 4.9 | 3.6 | – | – | – | 2.5 | –[e] | 12.4 |
| MarketLinks | 12–20 Dec 2024 | 1,007 | 27.5 | 15.4 | 14.1 | 12.5 | 7.7 | 6.8 | 4.8 | 3.6 | – | – | – | – | 7.6 | 2.4[e] | 12.1 |
| October 2024 election | 27 Oct 2024 | N/a | 26.4 66 |
14.2 36 |
13.4 33 |
11.5 29 |
7.6 19 |
7.5 19 |
6.8 17 |
4.6 11 |
4.0 10 |
1.0 0 |
– | – | 3.1 | –[j] | 12.2 |
Results
[edit]
PB was the largest party with 44.6% of the vote, followed by GERB/SDS with 13.3%, PP–DP with 12.6%, DPS with 7.1%, and Revival with 4.3%.[1][56] Among other main parties, MECh, Velichie, and BSP–OL respectively obtained 3.2%, 3.1%, and 3.0%, narrowly below the 4% threshold.[1][56] In terms of seats, PB obtained an absolute majority with 131 seats, followed by GERB/SDS with 39, PP–DP with 37, DPS with 21, and Revival with 12.[57] Although PB obtained a larger than expected win, the final polls were relatively accurate and within (or close to) the margin of error as Market Links, Alpha Research, Myara, Sova Harris, Trend, CAM, and Gallup respectively deviated by an average of 2.79%, 3.14%, 3.24%, 3.64%, 3.71%, 4.01%, and 4.83% from the election results.[56]
 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Votes | % | Seats | +/– | |
| Progressive Bulgaria | 1,444,920 | 43.91 | 131 | New | |
| GERB–SDS | 433,755 | 13.18 | 39 | −27 | |
| We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria | 408,846 | 12.42 | 37 | +1 | |
| Movement for Rights and Freedoms | 230,693 | 7.01 | 21 | −8 | |
| Revival | 137,940 | 4.19 | 12 | −21 | |
| Morality, Unity, Honour | 104,506 | 3.18 | 0 | –11 | |
| Velichie | 100,572 | 3.06 | 0 | –10 | |
| BSP – United Left | 97,753 | 2.97 | 0 | –19 | |
| Siyanie | 93,559 | 2.84 | 0 | New | |
| Alliance for Rights and Freedoms | 50,759 | 1.54 | 0 | –19 | |
| There is Such a People | 23,861 | 0.73 | 0 | –17 | |
| Anti-Corruption Bloc | 18,999 | 0.58 | 0 | 0 | |
| Blue Bulgaria | 18,640 | 0.57 | 0 | 0 | |
| Bulgaria Can | 17,263 | 0.52 | 0 | 0 | |
| Direct Democracy | 10,032 | 0.30 | 0 | New | |
| Nation | 9,804 | 0.30 | 0 | New | |
| Movement of Non-Partisan Candidates | 9,761 | 0.30 | 0 | New | |
| Nepokorna Bulgaria | 6,221 | 0.19 | 0 | New | |
| People's Voice | 4,665 | 0.14 | 0 | New | |
| People's Party "Truth and Only the Truth" | 4,392 | 0.13 | 0 | 0 | |
| My Bulgaria | 4,358 | 0.13 | 0 | 0 | |
| Party of the Greens | 3,027 | 0.09 | 0 | 0 | |
| Resistance | 1,897 | 0.06 | 0 | New | |
| Third of March | 1,840 | 0.06 | 0 | New | |
| Independents | 2,093 | 0.06 | 0 | New | |
| None of the above | 50,733 | 1.54 | – | – | |
| Total | 3,290,889 | 100.00 | 240 | 0 | |
| Valid votes | 3,290,889 | 97.94 | |||
| Invalid/blank votes | 69,222 | 2.06 | |||
| Total votes | 3,360,111 | 100.00 | |||
| Registered voters/turnout | 6,627,747 | 50.70 | |||
| Source: Central Electoral Commission | |||||
Turnout
[edit]According to various exit polls, voter turnout at 19:00 was respectively estimated at 46.8% by Alpha Research and 44.9% by Myara.[58] Final turnout exit polls showed that it was respectively estimated at 51.3% by Market Links, 48.8% by Alpha Research, 48.5% by Myara, and 48.0% by Trend.[1] Overall, final turnout slightly exceeded 50%.[1][39]
| Constituency | 11:00 | 16:00 | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blagoevgrad | 11.33% | 34.04% | 48.78% |
| Burgas | 10.51% | 35.37% | 49.96% |
| Varna | 11.20% | 35.11% | 50.88% |
| Veliko Tarnovo | 14.20% | 36.98% | 49.82% |
| Vidin | 16.58% | 35.26% | 46.11% |
| Vratsa | 17.13% | 39.97% | 52.95% |
| Gabrovo | 12.67% | 36.32% | 48.73% |
| Dobrich | 11.97% | 30.31% | 40.38% |
| Kardzhali | 7.85% | 23.34% | 29.79% |
| Kyustendil | 12.35% | 32.88% | 44.17% |
| Lovech | 15.61% | 36.98% | 49.10% |
| Montana | 16.46% | 39.21% | 52.11% |
| Pazardzhik | 11.80% | 32.07% | 45.98% |
| Pernik | 12.31% | 38.43% | 54.35% |
| Pleven | 13.03% | 34.73% | 47.41% |
| Plovdiv-city | 8.07% | 34.50% | 52.17% |
| Plovdiv-province | 11.97% | 33.76% | 48.13% |
| Razgrad | 12.41% | 28.28% | 36.86% |
| Ruse | 13.30% | 34.46% | 45.92% |
| Silistra | 13.96% | 32.86% | 43.88% |
| Sliven | 10.35% | 28.96% | 39.79% |
| Smolyan | 15.89% | 42.63% | 55.50% |
| Sofia-city 23 | 11.46% | 43.38% | 61.76% |
| Sofia-city 24 | 8.74% | 29.46% | 42.14% |
| Sofia-city 25 | 12.25% | 38.58% | 53.29% |
| Sofia-province | 17.07% | 34.45% | 56.01% |
| Stara Zagora | 14.21% | 37.92% | 51.13% |
| Targovishte | 12.56% | 31.03% | 41.41% |
| Haskovo | 14.26% | 37.08% | 49.28% |
| Shumen | 11.38% | 29.51% | 38.49% |
| Yambol | 14.88% | 36.79% | 48.28% |
| Bulgaria | 12.12% | 34.63% | 51.11% |
Voter demographics
[edit]As part of its exit poll, Alpha Research released a demographic breakdown showing that PB won in every age group, including among the 18–30 years old, a group of voters that had became more politically engaged as part of the anti-establishment protests in late 2025.[1][60]
| Voter demographics in percentage[1] | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social group | PB | GERB–SDS | PP–DB | DPS | Vaz. | BSP–OL | ||||
| Final result | 43.9 | 13.2 | 12.4 | 7.0 | 4.2 | 3.0 | ||||
| Gender | ||||||||||
| Men | 45 | 13 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 3 | ||||
| Women | 44 | 14 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 4 | ||||
| Age | ||||||||||
| 18–30 | 42 | 12 | 20 | 7 | 3 | 2 | ||||
| 30–60 | 44 | 14 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 3 | ||||
| 60+ | 46 | 13 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 8 | ||||
| Level of education | ||||||||||
| Lower education | 44 | 11 | 2 | 27 | 1 | 4 | ||||
| Secondary education | 45 | 15 | 15 | 5 | 5 | 4 | ||||
| Higher education | 40 | 13 | 19 | 2 | 4 | 3 | ||||
| Ethnic group | ||||||||||
| Bulgarian | 46 | 13 | 14 | 1 | 5 | 4 | ||||
| Turkish | 20 | 6 | 5 | 45 | 0 | 1 | ||||
| Roma | 15 | 20 | 1 | 30 | 3 | 5 | ||||
| Location | ||||||||||
| Towns and villages | 38 | 9 | 4 | 24 | 3 | 5 | ||||
| Smaller cities | 45 | 17 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 5 | ||||
| Larger cities | 43 | 14 | 14 | 3 | 6 | 4 | ||||
| Sofia | 32 | 14 | 30 | 0 | 5 | 3 | ||||
Aftermath
[edit]Exit polls
[edit]Exit polls projected Radev's PB coalition to have won the election in a landslide with around 37–39% of the vote, with GERB–SDS falling to around 15% and PP–DB retaining its result of 13% from the last election.[37][38][39] The status of some parties was unclear, in particular that of BSP–OL as they were expected to enter the National Assembly but were within the margin of error or just above the threshold. Among the far-right or right-wing populist parties, only Revival was expected to cross the 4% threshold needed to enter the 240-seat parliament. The exit poll by Trend predicted a voter turnout of 43.4% and that six parties could pass the 4% threshold.[37] An updated exit poll by Alpha Research showed that PB was first with 44%, significantly ahead of GERB–SDS at 12.5% and with a turnout of 47%, in what would mark "one of the strongest results by a single party in a generation, sideline a party that has ruled on and off for decades, and may see an end to the instability that has resulted in eight elections in five years."[38]
International reactions
[edit]Following the election, Russia congratulated Radev, welcoming his victory, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying: "Of course, we are impressed by the statements made by Mr Radev, who won the election, and by some other European leaders regarding their willingness to resolve problems through pragmatic dialogue."[61] Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić was among the first to congratulate Radev on his win.[62] European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa also congratulated Radev, with von der Leyen saying she was looking forward to working with Radev "for the prosperity and security" of Europe.[63] NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said he would "look forward to continued cooperation on shared security challenges" with Radev.[63]
Czech MEP Tomáš Zdechovský of KDU–ČSL regretted the results, writing that "Bulgaria has sent a clear — and deeply concerning — signal" and that "Radev, a politician openly critical of support for Ukraine and long seen as sympathetic to Russia, appears to have secured a parliamentary majority. This is no longer just an election result, it is a serious geopolitical shift."[63] Austrian MEP Andreas Schieder of SPÖ expressed disappointment with the results, describing Radev as "the next Putin friend" that would enter the European Council and that the election was a "setback for Europe".[63]
Government formation
[edit]Before an outright majority for PB was reached, analysts speculated on at least two possible options for a majority government, which would bring the country some stability after seven elections in five years,[64] namely one with the pro-EU liberal reformists of PP–DB and one with BSP–OL and the nationalists. In his first remarks after the vote, Radev said that he could find common ground by looking in "one and the same direction" with pro-EU liberal reformists in order to promote anti-corruption and judicial reforms. More specifically, Radev said he was "ready to go with different options so Bulgaria can have a functional and stable government".[65] Radev said that "Bulgaria will make efforts to continue its European path" and that "a strong Bulgaria and strong Europe" needed pragmatism because "Europe has fallen victim to its own ambition to be a moral leader in a world without rules."[38] Ivan Demerdzhiev, former interior minister and candidate from PB, said in an interview with bTV that the party has no intention of leading Bulgaria out of the EU, the eurozone, or NATO.[66]
Before results showed that his party had won an absolute majority, Radev said he was open to a minority government,[67] and told Reuters that his coalition would do "everything possible not to allow us to go [to elections] again" as it was "ruinous for Bulgaria" and were ready to "consider different options so that Bulgaria can have a regular and stable government". As votes were being counted and confirmed an even larger PB's landslide win, Radev hailed it as a "victory of hope", further stating that "PB has won unequivocally – a victory of hope over distrust, a victory of freedom over fear." In turn, Borisov congratulated Radev, cautioning that "winning elections is one thing, governing is another."[39] With 96% of votes counted and PB's landslide win, five parties were set to enter the National Assembly compared with nine of the previous election.[68] As a result of PB's win, Radev is considered the Prime Minister-designate; a former President, he would enter a position that is considered more powerful.[69] In the aftermath, Borislav Sarafov resigned as Bulgaria's acting prosecutor general and Vanya Stefanova became acting Prosecutor General instead.[70]
On 30 April, the first session of the newly elected 52nd National Assembly took place, electing Mihaela Dotsova from PB as speaker of the parliament.[71] Subsequently, President Iliana Iotova held constitutionally-mandated consultations with all parliamentary groups on 5 May.[72]
On 7 May, the first governing mandate was given by President Iotova to Rumen Radev, whose cabinet was elected by the National Assembly on 8 May.[73]
Analysis
[edit]National Assembly
[edit]With more than 60% of ballots counted, DPS was above the threshold while BSP–OL was not, with the CEC noting that PB had won about 45% and at least 132 seats, which was a majority in the 240-seat parliament.[37][38][39] Final results were expected to be available by 20 April.[38] As turnout exceeded 50%, higher than predicted by exit polls and the highest since April 2021,[39] the electorate was seen as having voted in favour of politicians and parties promising significant changes and anti-corruption measures.[62][64] Reflecting the electorate's call for changes, Evelina Koleva, a manager at a digital marketing company in Sofia, told Reuters: "There is now an opportunity for the things people have been hoping to see change to actually become visible."[74] Addressing the cost of living, which was one of the election's key issues, Tihomir Bezlov, a senior fellow at the Centre for the Study of Democracy in Sofia, said: "The country's main challenge is the economic crisis and the demographic crisis ... There do not seem to be many ideas in the winning camp on either of these issues."[74]
In what was seen as a significant loss for Boyko Borisov and the centre-right coalition of GERB–SDS, which had dominated the 2010s, Radev claimed an "uncontested victory".[62] The incoming parliament would be less fragmented, with a significant decline in representation for parties associated with Borisov, and the new majority signalled an end to the prolonged political fragmentation that hindered the formation of stable governments in Bulgaria.[75] Radev's PB received 44% of the vote and won an outright majority of seats, the first time a party or alliance has had a majority in the National Assembly since 1997.[68] GERB–SDS lost half of its support, receiving 13% of the vote, while PP–DB received 12% of the vote, barely changing its result from the last election.[68]
DPS, the Turkish minority party, had its weakest result since 1994, while their splinter party APS lost all 19 seats.[1][56] Nearly all far-right or right-wing populist parties did not cross the 4% election threshold, including Velichie, ITN (a party that rose in prominence in the previous series of elections), and Morality, Unity, Honour (MECh), which were present in the previous National Assembly.[1][56] The notable exception was Revival, which marginally crossed the threshold and lost more than half of its seats.[68] The election also marked the first time in Bulgaria's modern history in which the BSP (the legal successor of the BKP and the main political party behind Radev's rise to prominence and that supported his first presidential bid) failed to enter the National Assembly.[68] Alongside GERB and ITN, the BSP was part of the previous governing coalition, with the electorate voting against these parties, all of which suffered significant losses.[68] Analysts argued that Radev's strategic ambiguity towards Russia and the EU had allowed him to take votes from both GERB and Revival.[76] Political scientist Svetlin Tachev argued that PP–DB would have received stronger support if Radev had not entered the electoral race.[77]
Comparisons to Eurosceptic and pro-Russian governments
[edit]The Atlantic Council warned that a Radev-led government could "replace Hungary as Putin's proxy inside the EU and NATO", although it assessed that the influence would be "nowhere near that of Viktor Orbán, at least initially."[78] It concluded that Radev's government would be bad news for Ukraine and would represent a significant win for Russia.[78] Politico included Radev as one of the five "possible successors to Orbán as a key destabilizer in the EU", alongside Fico of Slovakia and Czech Republic Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, further adding that his pro-Russian stances had drawn a strong rebuke from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2023.[79] Reuters reported that Radev's campaign drew comparisons with Orbán when he talked about improving ties with Moscow and resuming the free flow of Russian oil and gas into Europe.[74] Raidió Teilifís Éireann also observed that Radev could find common ground with Fico and Babis, arguing that his victory speech was Eurosceptic and there is a risk he becomes the next disrupter of EU after Orbán if he pushes to restore Russian oil imports to Bulgaria.[80] The European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) published an analysis arguing that Radev would be closer to Fico than Orbán, is ready to criticise the European Commission, especially on the EU energy policy and the European Green Deal, and would be tough on EU's enlargement; however, it predicted that Radev would generally not try to block major EU decisions, such as on Ukraine, for fear of losing EU funds.[75] Another analysis maintained that in part because of Radev's dependence on PP–DB and the tide of public opinion, he could sometimes sound like Orban but would probably end up acting more like Fico.[81] NIN also compared Radev to Fico rather than Orbán.[82] In an interview, MEP Radan Kanev said that Radev would be more likely to resemble Fico in "speaking one thing, [and] doing a different one."[83]
Al Jazeera English reported that Radev's stance on foreign policy had drawn attention in Europe, leading to a "pro-Russian" label as he objected to a defence pact concluded between Bulgaria and Ukraine in March and had called for the resumption of Russian imports to Europe despite EU sanctions on Russian oil.[61] It added that some had branded Radev a Eurosceptic because he criticised aspects of EU policy, including reliance on renewable energy and Bulgaria's adoption of the euro, saying in a campaign rally: "The coalition-makers introduced the euro in Bulgaria without asking you. And now, when you pay your bills, always remember which politicians promised you that you would be in the 'club of the rich'."[61] At the same time, it observed that Radev had said in his victory speech he would take a pragmatic approach.[61] The New York Times also reported that Radev was perceived as pro-Russian and Eurosceptic on many issues, and that Radev's positioning on Russia had been a calculated balancing act to draw support from voters from all sides. It said analysts noted that he would have to clarify some of his positions as he would be making executive decisions for the first time.[84] The BBC framed Radev as a "pragmatic, somewhat pro-Russian leader, who has criticised EU sanctions, and called for constructive dialogue with the Kremlin."[85] The Guardian described Radev as Moscow-friendly and concluded that it could be bad for the EU.[76] Meanwhile, it reported that EU diplomats had said they did not expect Radev to seek to take over Orbán's role as the EU's chief disrupter.[76]
Ruslan Stefanov, an analyst at the Centre for the Study of Diplomacy, described Radev as a politician of "considerable strategic ambivalence toward Russia" who has "tried to cater to extreme Eurosceptic, and typically also pro-Russian, voter groups."[86] Emilia Zankina of Temple University Rome agreed, saying: "There is a great concern that he may try to steer the country away from its pro-European line."[87] Bulgarian political expert Dimitar Bechev told Politico that the biggest question is "what a future coalition will look like" and that Radev has to make a choice on the rule of law, deciding whether to align with anti-corruption reformists or defend vested interests.[88] Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung said that "almost nothing is known about his intentions, especially in the area of financial and fiscal policy."[87] An article published by Novinite argued that Western media's binary of "NATO pilot or Putin sympathizer" was too simple and that Radev, like Bulgaria itself, exists in the gray zone between the East and the West, comparing him to Péter Magyar rather than Orbán.[87] Maria Simeonova of the Sofia bureau of the ECFR analysed Radev's Eurosceptic comments as being primary towards Bulgarians, stating: "His criticism, particularly regarding financial and military support for Ukraine or sanctions against Russia, will be aimed primarily at the domestic audience."[87] Renew Europe politicians, such as Valérie Hayer and Nikola Minchev, branded the elections as a risk of another trojan horse in the EU.[89]
See also
[edit]- 2025–2026 Bulgarian protests
- 2026 Bulgarian presidential election
- 2026 elections in the European Union
- 2026 Hungarian parliamentary election
- Corruption in Bulgaria
- List of political parties in Bulgaria
- Presidency of Rumen Radev
Notes
[edit]- ^ Radev was the lead candidate and unofficial leader of the coalition, which is de jure led by five co-chairs: Galab Donev, Dimitar Stoyanov, Elena Noneva, Todor Barbolov, and Atanas Kalchev
- ^ Joint leadership of Assen Vassilev, Ivaylo Mirchev, Bozhidar Bozhanov, and Atanas Atanasov
- ^ Presented before 2 March 2026 as "Rumen Radev's Party/Formation"
- ^ The electoral commission excludes "none of the above" votes when calculating the percentages received by parties for the purpose of seat allocation.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai This poll reported the percentage respondents that do not support any party, or are undecided; however, the data was recalculated to exclude these percentages.
- ^ The presented data in this row is a forecast prepared based on the median of four forecasting models, based on data from MarketLinks' electoral pre-election sentiment surveys for the 2021–2025 period.
- ^ This poll presents data for "Others" and "None of the above" (NOTA) as a cumulative percentage; as a result, overall figures do not account for NOTA exclusion.
- ^ Including 1.9% undecided
- ^ Including 6.4% undecided
- ^ The electoral commission excludes "none of the above" votes when calculating the percentages received by parties for the purpose of seat allocation.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i Schminke, Tobias Gerhard (14 April 2026). "Election Dashboard: National parliament election in Bulgaria 2026". Europe Elects. Retrieved 22 April 2026. Updated 20 April 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link) - ^ "Bulgaria's parliament approves new coalition government led by centre-right's Rosen Zhelyazkov". Associated Press. 16 January 2025. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
- ^ "Bulgaria – March 2025 | The Global State of Democracy". International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. 13 March 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
- ^ Aktan, Sertac (14 March 2025). "Velichie party joins Bulgarian parliament, coalition majority now at risk". Euronews. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
- ^ Kilova, Milena (19 March 2025). "Shte ostane li stabilno upravlenieto sled vlizaneto na 'Velichie' v parlamenta?" Ще остане ли стабилно управлението след влизането на 'Величие' в парламента? [Will the government remain stable after "Velichie" enters Parliament?]. BNT News (in Bulgarian).
- ^ Kostadinova, Simona (15 April 2025). "DPS-Dogan reshi: Napuska upravlyavashtoto mnozinstvo" ДПС-Доган реши: Напуска управляващото мнозинство [DPS-Dogan decided: leaving the ruling majority]. Mediapool.bg (in Bulgarian). Retrieved 16 April 2026.
- ^ Kostov, Konstantin (16 April 2025). "Tova pravitelstvo shte otselee, spored lidera na 'Velichie' Ivelin Mikhaĭlov" Това правителство ще оцелее, според лидера на 'Величие' Ивелин Михайлов [This government will survive, according to "Velichie" leader Ivelin Mihaylov] (in Bulgarian). Bulgarian News Agency. Retrieved 16 April 2026.
- ^ "Bulgaria's government resigns after mass protests, while motion of no confidence defeated". The Sofia Globe. 11 December 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
- ^ "Bulgarian Government Survives No Confidence Vote". U.S. News & World Report. 3 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
- ^ "A no-confidence vote against the Bulgarian Govt was rejected". ANSA. 4 July 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
- ^ "Bulgaria's government survives fifth no confidence vote". Reuters. 18 September 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
- ^ Jochecová, Ketrin (11 December 2025). "Bulgarian government collapses after weeks of mass protests". Politico. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
- ^ Henley, Jon; Henley, Jon (11 December 2025). "Bulgarian government resigns after mass anti-corruption protests". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
- ^ "European Council President welcomes Bulgaria's efforts towards euro zone, support for Ukraine". The Sofia Globe. 27 April 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ^ "Bulgarian PM discusses country's euro zone accession with ECB, Eurogroup heads". The Sofia Globe. 20 March 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ^ Nikolov, Krassen (5 February 2025). "New Bulgarian government confirms commitment to eurozone entry". Euroactiv. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ^ Maclachlan, Eden (28 December 2025). "Bulgaria prepares to join eurozone amid fears of Russian-backed disinformation". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ^ "Bulgaria's president calls for referendum on euro despite court ruling it would be unconstitutional". ConstitutionNet. 12 May 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ^ Thavard, Blaga (5 June 2025). "Populism over Principle". Verfassungsblog. doi:10.59704/12b0b834da187d02. ISSN 2366-7044. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ^ "Bulgarian Parliament Speaker rejects President's request for vote on euro referendum – reports". The Sofia Globe. 13 May 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ^ "Bulgarian Constitutional Court rejects President's bid to annul Speaker's decision on euro referendum". The Sofia Globe. 10 June 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ^ "Bulgaria's President Slams Parliament Over Ignored Referendum Proposal on Euro Adoption". Novinite. 19 November 2025. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ^ Shleton, Jon (19 January 2026). "Bulgaria: President Radev steps down before snap election". DW.com. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ^ "Bulgaria's 2026 elections: Radev launches programme, with emphasis on economy". The Sofia Globe. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ^ "Bulgarian president appoints caretaker government and sets snap election date for April 19". Associated Press. 19 February 2026. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ Knapp, Ferdinand (18 February 2026). "Bulgaria to hold snap election in April". Politico. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ^ "Bulgaria to hold snap parliamentary election on April 19 after protests". Al Jazeera. 18 February 2026. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ Roussi, Antoaneta (1 April 2026). "Bulgaria requests EU support to fend off election meddling in April vote". Politico. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ^ Todorov, Svetoslav (7 April 2026). "Bulgaria Ex-President Alleges Plan Underway to Discredit Expected Election Win". Balkan Insight. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ^ "Republic of Bulgaria Election for Narodno Sabranie (Bulgarian National Assembly)". IFES Election Guide. 23 August 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ^ "Electoral system for national legislature – Bulgaria". International IDEA. 2026. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ^ "Bulgaria, Early Parliamentary Elections, 19 April 2026: Needs Assessment Mission Report" (PDF). OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. 3 March 2026. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- ^ "51-vo Narodno sŭbranie" 51-во Народно събрание [51st National Assembly]. Strazha.bg (in Bulgarian). 19 April 2026. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ^ Kirkova, Mina (18 March 2026). "Eto koi sa nomerata na partiite za izborite na 19 april" Ето кои са номерата на партиите за изборите на 19 април [Here are the party numbers for the 19 April elections]. DW.com (in Bulgarian). Retrieved 28 March 2026.
- ^ Nenov, Stoyan (23 January 2026). "Bulgaria's Radev steps down as president, expected to launch own party". Reuters. Retrieved 23 January 2026.
- ^ Atanasova, Maria (3 March 2026). "Antoaneta Hristova: Rumen Radev's 'Progressive Bulgaria' takes over the left niche". Fakti.bg.
According to experts, Rumen Radev's actions give a categorical signal about the political orientation of the new project, which is aimed directly at the voters of the centenary. 'This is a firm message, there is no doubt what it can be. This is a center-left political party. This is the niche that the BSP has gradually vacated,' Antoaneta Hristova is categorical.
- ^ a b c d e Toshkov, Veselin (19 April 2026). "Former president Rumen Radev will win Bulgaria election, exit poll suggests". PBS News. Archived from the original on 20 April 2026. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g Lefkowitz, Alex; Mcallister, Edward (19 April 2026). "Bulgaria's pro-Russian former president set for landslide election win, exit polls show". Reuters. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g Maguire, Christine (19 April 2026). "Exit poll shows former President Radev's party set to win Bulgaria election". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ^ a b "Bulgaria's 2026 elections: Radev launches programme, with emphasis on economy". The Sofia Globe. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
Radev spoke of modern infrastructure, cheap and promising energy, the battle against poverty, solving the demographic crisis, ensuring Bulgarian children's access to quality education, reducing payments by citizens for health care, protecting nature while ensuring a balance between development and nature conservation, the fight against crime in particular against young people using narcotics, strengthening military modernisation, tourism that lasts all four seasons and he spoke in praise of Bulgaria's 'wonderful sports people'.
- ^ a b c d "Bulgaria's April 2026 parliamentary elections: The Sofia Globe's factfile". The Sofia Globe. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
March 20 marks the official campaign period ahead of Bulgaria's April 19 2026 [sic] early National Assembly elections, in which 240 MPs are to be elected.
- ^ "Bulgaria's Interior Ministry in special operations against vote-buying ahead of April elections". The Sofia Globe. 19 March 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
An Interior Ministry media statement said during the operation in Haskovo, lists of names and significant sums of money were discovered. Voters were being told to support a particular political party, and were told the party's ballot number, according to the statement, which did not identify the party.
- ^ "Bulgaria's April elections: Dozens arrested in new police crackdowns against vote-buying". The Sofia Globe. 26 March 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
Before the October 2024 elections, there were 52 reports from the public about breaches of election law, and now the number was 383.
- ^ "Police in Bulgaria's Plovdiv arrest two with close to 90 000 euro for vote-buying". The Sofia Globe. 9 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
During the operation, more than 40 000 euros were found in the home of a 53-year-old man. The man was arrested.
- ^ "Bulgaria's April elections: Million euro seized so far in police operations against vote-buying". The Sofia Globe. 14 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
Police have confiscated a million euro so far in operations against vote-buying ahead of Bulgaria's April 19 2026 [sic] early parliamentary elections, Interior Ministry chief secretary Georgi Kandev said on Facebook on April 14.
- ^ "Bulgaria's April elections: Caretaker PM warns of scheme to buy votes with counterfeit euro". The Sofia Globe. 15 April 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
Deputy Interior Minister Ivan Anchev said that up to April 15, a total of 1743 reports from the public had been received, compared with 479 four days before the October 2024 parliamentary elections.
- ^ "Bulgaria's April elections: 200 000 euro for vote-buying found in Varna, four arrested". The Sofia Globe. 17 April 2026. Retrieved 18 April 2026.
The candidate MP was accompanied by a man who had numerous convictions for theft. The candidate was not arrested because he has immunity from prosecution, Kandev said.
- ^ Atansova, Maria (3 March 2026). "Today is a day for reflection, election campaigning is prohibited". Fakti.bg.
Today is a day for reflection. According to the Election Code, election campaigning is not allowed 24 hours before election day and on election day, BTA reported.
- ^ Ivanov, Mihail (20 April 2026). "Bulgaria enters uncharted territory as Radev wins big". DW.com. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
After polling stations closed, the Bulgarian Interior Ministry announced that DPS and GERB ranked first and second in official reports of vote-buying, generating 631 and 318 reports respectively.
- ^ "Interior Minister Announces Parties Featured in Election Offence Alerts". Bulgarian News Agency. 19 April 2026. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
The Movement for Rights and Freedoms are 'the champions' with 631 tipoffs for election-related offences against them. Following are the other parties: 318 for GERB, 18 for Vazrazhdane, 16 for Progressive Bulgaria, 13 for BSP, 11 for Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria, 7 for Velichie, 4 for There Is Such a People and 2 for MECh.
- ^ Atansova, Maria (19 April 2026). "Nearly 3,000 signals for election crimes". Fakti.bg. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
Emil Dechev revealed that 631 signals for election crimes were filed in favor of the MRF, 318 signals in favor of GERB, 18 signals for 'Vazrazhdane', 16 signals for 'Progressive Bulgaria', 13 signals in favor of the BSP, 11 for PP-DB, 7 for 'Velicie', 4 in favor of ITN and 2 for election crimes in favor of MECH.
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