Bulgaria's Eighth Election in Five Years Set for April 19

Bulgaria faces its eighth parliamentary election in five years on April 19, as former President Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria coalition leads polls in a contest shaped by widespread frustration over corruption and political gridlock. The snap vote, triggered by the resignation of a conservative-led government amid nationwide protests in December 2025, comes at a time of heightened efforts to ensure fair polling in the European Union and NATO member nation of 6.5 million people.

Radev, a 62-year-old former fighter pilot and air force commander, resigned from the largely ceremonial presidency in January 2026 to pursue the prime minister's role. His center-left coalition, emphasizing an end to oligarchic influence and a fresh start for the country, is projected to capture more than 30 percent of the vote, according to recent surveys with margins of error around 3 to 3.5 percent. This puts it nearly 10 points ahead of the center-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria, or GERB, led by veteran politician Boyko Borissov, who polls at about 20 percent. Other contenders include the pro-Western We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria bloc, expected at 12 to 14...