Bulgaria heads to crucial vote amid political turmoil over pro-Russian stance

Stephen J. By Bose, Worth News Europe Bureau Chief

Sofia/Budapest (meaningful news) – Bulgarians were heading into an election in which the pro-Russian former president was expected to win.

If confirmed, former President Rumen Radev’s victory would come just days after voters in Hungary rejected the perceived authoritarian policies of longtime Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has cultivated close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The vote, the eighth parliamentary election in five years, followed mass protests that toppled the previous conservative-led Bulgarian government in December.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time and were scheduled to close at 6 p.m., with exit polls expected shortly thereafter. Official results are likely to come on Monday.

Vote could change Bulgaria’s direction

Sunday’s vote is being viewed as crucial, potentially bringing a left-leaning, pro-Russian candidate to power at a time of shifting political currents in Eastern Europe. The election comes amid broader regional debates about governance, democratic standards and relations with Moscow.

December protests brought hundreds of thousands of mainly young people onto the streets demanding an independent judiciary and action against widespread corruption. The protests revealed that for many Bulgarians, the election reflects a deep conflict over the future direction of the country – between continued alignment with the EU and a potential shift toward closer ties with Russia.

Radev, a former air force general, has promised to end what he describes as an “oligarchic governance model” and has backed the anti-corruption protests that led to the fall of the previous government.

He has also advocated renewing relations with Russia and criticized military support for Ukraine, positioning himself as a candidate willing to change the direction of Bulgaria’s foreign policy.

Russia ties are being investigated

Radev resigned his largely formal presidency earlier this year to run for prime minister, marking a significant political shift. Although he has opposed sending arms to Ukraine, he has indicated that he will not directly block EU decisions.

His stance has been criticized by opponents, particularly after he questioned the recent defense agreement between Bulgaria and Ukraine and called for restoring relations with Moscow. Critics argue that this approach could weaken Bulgaria’s alliance with Western allies.

The former president also faced criticism after photos of meetings with global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, emerged during the campaign, reinforcing concerns about his alleged closeness to the Kremlin.

Political instability and frustration

Bulgaria, a country of about 6.5 million people, has faced recurring political instability since 2021, with fragmented parliaments forming fragile coalition governments. None could last more than a year.

The country has gone through several administrations since mass anti-corruption protests ended the long rule of conservative leader Boyko Borissov.

Opinion polls show Borissov’s pro-European GERB party is likely to finish second with around 20 percent support, ahead of the liberal PP-DB coalition.

Bulgaria is a Balkan nation of about 6.5 million people, where the majority identify as Orthodox Christians. During the Cold War it was often considered the most loyal satellite state of the Soviet Union.

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