Bulgaria's pro-Russian former president is seen as strong front-runner in Sunday's election

Key Points:

• Bulgarians are set for early elections on April 19, with former President Rumen Radev's center-left Progressive Bulgaria coalition favored to win amid hopes to end oligarchic corruption and mixed views on his Eurosceptic and pro-Russian stance.
• Radev resigned the presidency in January to run for prime minister, positioning himself as an opponent of entrenched corruption and promising a fresh start, while polls show him leading by nearly 10% over former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.
• The snap vote follows the December 2025 resignation of a conservative government amid massive anti-corruption protests, with political instability leading to seven inconclusive elections in five years and growing voter apathy.
• Bulgaria has requested EU assistance to counter Russian influence campaigns, as Radev's coalition opposes alliances with parties linked to corruption, though forming a stable government may require cooperation with the pro-Western "We Continue the Change" bloc.
• Despite Radev's ambiguous campaign stance on Russia and Ukraine, experts believe Bulgaria will maintain its commitments to NATO, the EU, the eurozone, and the Schengen Area, though clear policy positions will be needed once in power.