Bulgaria's Complex Political Landscape: GERB Wins but Coalition Challenges Loom

Bulgaria's centre-right GERB party, led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, secured the most votes in the parliamentary elections but will need at least two partners to form a coalition government. With low voter turnout and a fragmented parliament, political stability in the country remains uncertain.

Bulgaria's centre-right GERB party, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, has garnered the highest number of votes in the recent parliamentary elections. However, the party will require at least two coalition partners to establish a functional government.

The election, held parallel to the European Parliament elections, recorded an all-time low voter turnout of about 30 percent, reflecting widespread political apathy. This fragmented outcome leaves Bulgaria’s political future in a state of uncertainty.

With 64 percent of the votes tallied, GERB leads with 23.7 percent, trailed by the ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms party at 15.9 percent, and the pro-Western reformist bloc led by the We Continue the Change party at 15.1 percent. The ultra-nationalist Vazrazhdane party and three other smaller parties also gained seats, highlighting the fragmented nature of Bulgaria's political landscape.