Pro-Western centre-right coalition moves forward after elections in Bulgaria

Following parliamentary elections in Bulgaria, the most recent forecasts now put former Prime Minister Boiko Borissov’s centre-right alliance in the lead.

His alliance received about 26 percent of the vote in Sunday’s election — its fifth in two years. The liberal-conservative bloc was just behind with about 25 percent. Initial projections based on post-election polls reversed the order of the political camps, both of which are considered pro-Western. The forecasts were published on Monday evening by three opinion research institutes.

Borisov’s GERB-SDS alliance already governed the country, which belongs to the EU and NATO, until 2021, when his third term as prime minister expired. His camp agrees with the liberal-conservative PP-DB electoral bloc to support Ukraine in its war against Russia. Both also advocate arms deliveries to the attacked country.

At the end of 2022, the parliament in Sofia approved the first military aid package for Kiev. But head of state Rumen Radev stated that Bulgaria would not supply arms to Ukraine as long as the interim cabinet he appointed is in power. Borisov called on the pro-Western parties to form a regular government after these elections.

The PP and DB were involved in a four-party government with Prime Minister Kiril Petkov (PP) until June 2022, which was overthrown by a vote of no confidence. The GERB-SDS alliance was voted out in 2021 following allegations of corruption and protests.

Corruption is a widespread problem in the country of 6.5 million people. In terms of economic output per capita, Bulgaria is the poorest EU member state.

At least five parties are likely to enter parliament, according to projections – including the pro-Russian and nationalist Wasraschdane (Rebirth) and the pro-Russian Socialists, who will rule together until 2022. The official final result must be available by Thursday at the latest. (sda/dpa)