Bulgaria's Seventh Election Reflects Political Instability

Bulgaria held its seventh general election in just over three years, reflecting ongoing political instability and voter apathy, with turnout expected to be the lowest since the fall of communism. Exit polls show former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's center-right GERB party leading, but without a clear majority to form a stable government. The reformist We Continue the Change/Democratic Bulgaria bloc and the nationalist, pro-Russian Revival party follow, with each gaining significant support. The political stalemate risks Bulgaria's access to EU recovery funds and delays its aspirations to join the Schengen area and eurozone. Extreme political voices, such as the Revival party demanding NATO withdrawal and lifting sanctions on Russia, have grown amid public disillusionment and alleged Russian disinformation. Without a viable coalition, analysts predict Bulgaria may face yet another election soon.