Bulgaria: Pro-Russian Radev set to win parliamentary vote
dw.com • • general
Key Points:
- The Progressive Bulgaria party, led by former President Rumen Radev, is leading the parliamentary election with 44.59% of votes counted so far, significantly ahead of the pro-EU GERB party at around 15%.
- Radev expressed willingness to collaborate with the reformist PP-DB coalition to form a majority government but is also open to leading a minority government to ensure stability in Bulgaria.
- The snap election follows the resignation of a conservative government amid anti-corruption protests, marking Bulgaria's eighth election in five years amid ongoing political instability.
- Radev, a former air force general, has campaigned against oligarchic governance, advocated for renewed ties with Russia while condemning its invasion of Ukraine, and opposed the EU's green energy policies.
- GERB leader Boyko Borissov acknowledged his party's likely second-place finish and ruled out coalition participation initially but later indicated openness to negotiations, emphasizing patience in political processes.
