Parliamentary Elections in Bulgaria

Experts analyse the situation in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is once again heading to parliamentary elections on 19 April 2026 – the eighth vote in just five years. Since the fall of Boyko Borisov’s government in 2021, the country has struggled to form a stable government capable of completing a full term. The most recent coalition, formed in early 2025, collapsed following mass protests triggered by a controversial budget proposal, reflecting widespread frustration with corruption and political elites. 

At the centre of current developments is the newly founded party "Progressive Bulgaria", led by former president Rumen Radev. The new political force has rapidly gained support and is expected to emerge as the strongest party in the upcoming elections. The broader political landscape remains highly fragmented, with no clear coalition options in sight. Issues such as corruption and foreign influence – particularly from Russia – continue to shape both the public debate and the campaign.

Against this backdrop, the event will provide an overview of Bulgaria’s current political situation. It will analyse the main political actors, discuss the rise of the new political force led by Radev, and explore possible scenarios for government formation. Moreover, it will address the broader implications of continued instability for Bulgaria’s democratic development and its role within the European Union.

Speakers

Yasen Georgiev, Executive Director of the Economic Policy Institute, Sofia (online)
Dimitar Keranov, Program Coordinator at the European Resilience program, German Marshall Fund, Berlin (online)
Kalina Tcolova, Analyst at the Center for the Study of Democracy, Sofia

Moderator

Sophia Beiter, Research Associate, Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe, Vienna

The discussion is organised in cooperation with the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) and Campus Tivoli.