Former president Rumen Radev won the legislative elections in Bulgaria this Sunday (19), according to the first exit projections released by the Bulgarian media, obtaining around 39% of the votes. Despite the significant victory, Radev, with a Eurosceptic profile and considered close to the Kremlin (Russia), is unlikely to be able to govern alone.
According to polls released after the polls closed, the Bulgaria Progresista party – founded by Radev after his resignation as head of state in January – gathered between 37.5% and 39.2% of voting intentions. The result reflects the discontent of a significant part of the electorate with the increase in the cost of living in the poorest country in the European Union.
“We expected to win, it was normal and natural. We had great hopes and great expectations, so the responsibility is great”, said Radev, quoted by the EFE agency.
The conservative GERB party, led by former prime minister Boiko Borisov, comes in second place with around 16%. The liberal and pro-European Let’s Keep the Change–Democratic Bulgaria coalition is expected to reach approximately 14.3%. DPS–Novo Começo, associated with a businessman sanctioned for corruption, could reach 8.4%. The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), heir to the old communist structure, will be able to guarantee around 4.2% and a reduced number of deputies.
If the highest results are confirmed, Radev could win up to 111 of the 240 seats in parliament, falling short of an absolute majority and forcing agreements to be able to govern. “We are prepared for different options that guarantee a stable and regular Government in Bulgaria. We will do everything to avoid new elections”, declared Radev.
Bulgaria has faced strong political instability, with seven prime ministers in just five years.
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