April 19, 2026, 7:38 p.mApril 19, 2026, 7:38 p.m
Image: keystone
According to initial forecasts, the early parliamentary elections in Bulgaria indicate an overwhelming majority for former head of state Rumen Radev’s electoral alliance. As shown by voter surveys conducted by three opinion research institutes after the vote, the Progressives Bulgaria (PB) alliance of the ex-general, who is considered to be Russia-friendly, could get almost 39 percent of the vote. It was initially unclear whether Radev would achieve an absolute majority in parliament.
According to the information, the pro-Western conservative alliance Gerb-SDS, which led a coalition government that resigned in December 2025, follows far behind with a maximum of 16.2 percent. The third strongest force is likely to be the pro-European liberal-conservative association PP-DB with a maximum of 14.3 percent. In December he called for mass demonstrations, which caused the then Gerb-SDS government to resign.
6.5 million citizens were able to vote
Around 6.5 million Bulgarians were able to vote. An interim government is currently in office. The former fighter jet pilot Radev resigned from the office of president in January to take part in the election.
According to this forecast, the nationalist pro-Russian party Vasrashdane (German: Rebirth) fell to around five percent (2024: 13.3 percent). It was initially unclear how many parties had passed the four percent hurdle for entry into parliament. (sda/dpa)