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3w ago

Bulgaria Votes in Eighth Election in Five Years as Radev Leads Polls

Coalition talks will decide if Progressive Bulgaria can form a government.

Supporters of former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev hold posters in the colors of the Bulgarian flag during the closing rally of his campaign, in Sofia, Thursday, April 16, 2026, as Bulgaria heads into an early parliamentary election. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)
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Former three-time conservative Prime Minister Boyko Borissov is seen at the closing rally of his campaign, in Samokov, Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as Bulgaria heads into an early parliamentary election. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)
A supporter of former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev reacts during the closing rally of his campaign, in Sofia, Thursday, April 16, 2026, as Bulgaria heads into an early parliamentary election. (AP Photo/Valentina Petrova)

Overview

  • Bulgarians choose a new parliament Sunday in a snap vote, the eighth since 2021 after protests brought down successive governments.
  • Final surveys put Rumen Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria at about 30–35% and Boyko Borissov’s GERB near 18–20%, which would leave no outright majority.
  • Pollsters forecast a sharp rise in turnout to roughly 60%, up from 34% in June 2024, as anger over corruption draws more voters to the polls.
  • Police reported seizing over €1 million and detaining hundreds, including local officials, in raids aimed at curbing vote buying before the ballot.
  • Prediction markets assign a very high chance of a Radev premiership, but thin trading and his refusal to work with GERB or DPS make post‑vote coalition bargaining, with results expected Monday, the decisive step.