Overview
- An exit poll by the Trend research group projects the center-left Progressive Bulgaria bloc, led by Rumen Radev, finishing first, pending official results.
- The survey estimates 39.2% support for Progressive Bulgaria versus 15.1% for the center-right GERB party led by Boyko Borissov.
- Turnout is put at 43.4%, and up to six parties are expected to cross the 4% threshold required to enter parliament under Bulgaria’s proportional system.
- The figures suggest no single-party majority, setting up coalition talks that have often yielded short-lived governments in recent years.
- Radev has backed Israel’s right to self-defense while urging protections for civilians in Gaza, signaling a measured foreign-policy stance if he forms a government.