Early parliamentary elections took place in Bulgaria following the resignation of Rosen Zhelyazkov’s government due to widespread public demonstrations.
Early Parliamentary Elections in Bulgaria
Snap elections were held in Bulgaria, with initial exit poll results indicating a lead for the GERB party of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov with 14.8% support.
The coalition Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria secured the second position with 13.1%, while DPS-New Beginning, linked to Delian Peevski, received 9.2%. The nationalist Revival party garnered 5.3%, and the Bulgarian Socialist Party achieved 4% of the vote, clearing the electoral threshold.
Voter Turnout and Parliamentary Structure
By 7 PM local time, 46.7% of eligible Bulgarian voters (6,575,151 citizens) had participated in the elections.
The Bulgarian parliament, the National Assembly, consists of 240 seats, contested by candidates from 14 parties and 10 coalitions. These elections mark the fifth parliamentary elections in Bulgaria within the last five years.
Resignation and Protests
The early elections were triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, who yielded to pressure from mass protests in late 2025.
The protests were initially sparked by a draft budget law for 2026, which included a 2% increase in insurance contributions, substantial New Year bonuses for officials, and security service personnel. Protesters also voiced opposition to systemic corruption and the politicization of public institutions.
Radew’s Resignation and Political Landscape
Then-President Rumen Radew, currently a leading poll contender, announced elections after multiple parliamentary groups declined to form a government.
Radew subsequently resigned from his position a year before the end of his second and final term.
Separate Report: Railcar Transport
Despite sanctions, railcars marked with Cyrillic lettering are being transported through Podlasie, reportedly as part of a deal between Trump and Lukashenko.
