Overview
- Rumen Radev’s center-left Progressive Bulgaria led Sunday’s snap vote with roughly 37% to 39% in exit polls, far ahead of Boyko Borissov’s GERB at about 15% to 16% and the reformist PP-DB near 14%.
- Official results are expected Monday, and Radev said he wants to avoid another election by exploring options such as a minority cabinet or talks with pro-reform parties.
- Exit polls estimated turnout at about 43% and suggested six parties will clear the 4% threshold, pointing to a fragmented parliament that makes dealmaking essential.
- Radev has opposed sending arms to Ukraine and favors reviving ties with Russia, a stance that could test EU and NATO unity on sanctions and military support if he forms a government.
- Police stepped up raids against paid voting before the election, seizing more than €1 million and detaining hundreds, underscoring the corruption that has fueled Bulgaria’s repeated elections since 2021.