In the parliamentary elections held in Bulgaria on April 19, the coalition led by former President Rumen Radev is projected to secure a significant lead, according to exit polls.
The survey conducted by Alpha Research indicates that the coalition, named ‘Progressive Bulgaria,’ is expected to receive approximately 37.5% of the votes. The opposition party GERB, led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, is trailing with around 16.2%.
Despite this advantage, Radev may face challenges in forming a government, as his coalition is unlikely to achieve a parliamentary majority on its own.
Radev, who has previously served as president until January, is known for his Eurosceptic views and has expressed opposition to military support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The elections occur against a backdrop of political instability, following the resignation of the previous government amid widespread protests in December. This election marks the eighth in Bulgaria over the past five years, reflecting increasing voter fatigue with frequent snap elections and ongoing political crises.
The resignation of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov was announced during an emergency briefing on December 11, after two weeks of protests across the country. Protesters, comprising diverse age groups and ethnic backgrounds, called for the government’s resignation.
Protests were sparked by a proposed budget for 2026 that included tax increases and changes to social security for private sector workers, alongside salary hikes and increased state spending. Although the government withdrew the budget proposal, the protests escalated into calls for resignation and a radical shift in governance.
Zhelyazkov’s resignation occurred just a day after Borisov stated that the government would not step down until Bulgaria’s official accession to the Eurozone on January 1.
The government led by Rosen Zhelyazkov had been in power since early 2025.
The recent parliamentary elections in Bulgaria saw the 'Progressive Bulgaria' coalition, led by former President Rumen Radev, gaining a substantial lead. However, the coalition may struggle to form a government without additional support, reflecting ongoing political challenges in the country.