Controversial ex-Prime Minister Boyko Borissov is likely to emerge victorious in Bulgaria’s parliamentary elections. According to exit polls, his middle-class GERB party won 24.6 percent of the vote. Prime Minister Kiril Petkov’s “We Continue the Change” (PP) liberal movement, who was ousted in June, received 18.9 and 19.9 percent of the vote, respectively. The anti-European and pro-Russian party Wazraschdane (Rebirth) surprised by about ten percent.
Petkov was overthrown by a vote of no confidence after just seven months in office in June. He came to power last year after a protest vote against former Prime Minister Borissov, who was controversial over numerous corruption cases. According to a study by the Alpha Research Institute, seven parties are moving into the new parliament in Sofia. An eighth formation could just fail on the hurdle of four percent. The result for the liberal party of the Turkish minority DPS is surprisingly good: it became the third strongest force in Bulgaria at 14.4 percent.
Political stalemate feared
Observers expect the political standstill in the country to continue after the elections. The looming fragmented parliament and deep mistrust among the major parties are likely to make the formation of a majority coalition impossible. Borisov’s GERB remains in political isolation and is held responsible by almost all opponents for the rampant corruption in the country during her more than ten-year reign. The turnout was just under 35 percent, which says a lot about the political disenchantment of the Bulgarians after a year and a half of political instability.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
