Elections in Bulgaria: – Centre-right coalition of former Prime Minister Borisov in front

. Former Prime Minister Kiril Petkov’s pro-Western liberal-conservative bloc PP-DB came second with about 24.5 percent. By Monday morning, 87 percent of the votes had been counted.

Probably six parties in parliament
The count should be completed during Monday, the official final result should be available on Thursday. According to the information, six parties have passed the four percent threshold to enter parliament. Among them again is the pro-Russian and nationalist Vazrashdane (Rebirth). With about 14.5 percent of the vote so far, it is likely to come out as the third strongest political force in elections in Bulgaria for the first time.

Given the emerging balance of power, forming a new government is likely to become complicated. Until it is installed, the interim cabinet appointed by President Rumen Radev in view of the elections will continue to handle official affairs.

In the first projections based on post-election surveys, the order of the two leading political camps was reversed. Borisov’s 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.

Relief package for Kiev
At the end of 2022, the parliament in Sofia approved the first military aid package for Kiev. But President Radev, considered pro-Russia, said Bulgaria would not supply weapons to Ukraine as long as the interim cabinet he had appointed is in power. Borisov called on the pro-Western parties to form a regular government after these elections.

Fifth election in two years
Sunday’s vote was the fifth parliamentary election in two years – turnout was just 40 percent. In 2020, months of anti-corruption protests rocked the government of then Prime Minister Borisov, who ruled Bulgaria for nearly a decade. Since then, all elections have resulted in fragmented parliaments, with neither side able to form a functioning government.

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

Even after Sunday’s vote, the situation was uncertain. Stable government formation in the country with 6.5 million inhabitants is likely to be difficult again in view of the forecasts: “The closer the result between the first two parties eventually comes, the more difficult it will be to form a cabinet,” said the minister. political expert Jewelina Slawkowa.