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Bulgaria votes as pro-Russian former president leads the polls
Radev is seeking an absolute majority as polls show his coalition leading with about 35% of the vote, according to opinion surveys.
- On Sunday, April 19, 2026, Bulgarians cast ballots in their eighth parliamentary election in five years, with pro-Russian former President Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria polling at about 35% as the clear frontrunner.
- Radev, who stepped down as president in January, campaigns on a pledge to dismantle what he terms the country's "oligarchic governance model" following years of political instability and fragile coalitions since 2021.
- Sofia-Based Alpha Research forecasts turnout around 60%, nearly double the 34% recorded in 2024, while police seized more than €1 million in cash to curb vote-buying ahead of the election.
- Trailing in second place with about 18%, former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's GERB party contests Radev, whom opponents criticize for pursuing "practical relations with Russia" and opposing Ukraine military aid.
- Analyst Mario Bikarski of Verisk Maplecroft warned any coalition "is likely to suffer from government instability," as voters seek an end to the cycle of snap polls and short-lived governments.
120 Articles
120 Articles
Bulgaria's citizens began voting this Sunday in parliamentary elections marked by political fatigue and uncertainty, the octaves that the country celebrates in just five years.The main favorite is former President Rumen Radev, who resigned from the head of state in January to lead the new centre-left Bulgarian Progressive bloc.According to pre-voting polls, Radev's alliance could get about 35% of the votes, ahead of conservative forces linked to…
In Bulgaria, ex-President Radev is a favorite in the parliamentary election. After chaotic years, does the country now have a stable government? And how will it stand for Russia?
In Bulgaria, ex-President Radev is a favorite in the parliamentary election. After chaotic years, does the country now have a stable government? And how will it stand for Russia?
After Years of Political Crisis, Bulgaria Set to Vote in Eighth Election
Bulgarians vote in the country’s eighth election in five years on Sunday, April 19th. The latest vote comes after renewed public frustration over corruption and governance. Former president Rumen Radev, who stepped down in January, is now leading a newly formed political grouping. The frequent elections stem from the instability sparked by anti-corruption protests in 2021, which brought an end to the government of long-time leader Boyko Borissov…
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- 38% of the sources lean Left, 38% of the sources are Center
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