Bulgaria Election

An exit poll in Bulgaria suggests the center-left Progressive Bulgaria coalition led by ex-President Rumen Radev will win the country's parliamentary election. The poll by Trend research group shows Radev’s coalition earning 39.2% support, edging out the center-right GERB party of its veteran leader, Boyko Borissov, which is expected to capture 15.1% in Sunday's vote. Despite the huge gap between the two groups, the predicted percentage would not be enough for Radev to form a one-party government, and he will face the uphill task of looking out for partners to govern. The exit poll also predicts that voter turnout stood at 43.4%, and six parties could pass the 4% threshold to enter a fragmented parliament.

Bulgaria's center-left coalition led by ex-president Rumen Radev has won the parliamentary election, according to the central electoral commission. With all the ballots counted Monday, the Progressive Bulgaria coalition received 44.6% of the vote, far ahead of the center-right GERB party and the pro-Western reformist bloc. Radev described the victory as a triumph of hope over distrust. He emphasized Bulgaria's commitment to its European path while advocating for critical thinking and pragmatism. Radev, known for his Russia-friendly views, resigned from the presidency to pursue the role of prime minister.