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yesterday

Bulgaria Votes in Snap Election With Radev as Clear Frontrunner

Coalition bargaining will likely decide whether promises of stability translate into policy.

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)
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)
A print on the back of a jacket of a supporter depicts the former three-time conservative Prime Minister Boyko Borissov 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)

Overview

  • Rumen Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria, which polls put near 35% on Friday, enters Sunday’s snap vote without a projected majority.
  • The GERB party led by former prime minister Boyko Borissov sits a distant second at roughly 18–20% in surveys, with an Alpha Research poll forecasting turnout around 60%.
  • Prediction markets reported by Crypto Briefing price Radev’s chances of becoming prime minister above 90%, reflecting momentum behind a candidate who opposes sending arms to Ukraine and questions EU sanctions on Russia.
  • No party is expected to win outright, leaving post‑election coalition talks to determine who forms a government and what reforms or foreign‑policy shifts follow.
  • Endemic graft and rising living costs after Bulgaria adopted the euro in January are driving voter anger, as police raids in recent weeks seized over €1 million tied to vote‑buying and led to hundreds of detentions.