Bulgaria to head to the polls for the eighth time in five years on April 19

President Rumen Radev, who recently stepped down from his post, will participate in the early general elections as the leader of the Progressive Bulgaria Party.

Rumen Radev, who has served as the country's president since 2016, recently resigned and is entering the race as the leader of the Progressive Bulgaria Party, which he founded himself. In his statements, Radev emphasized that the elections could become controversial due to allegations of foreign interference.

In his statement, Radev recalled the example of the election cancellation in Romania in 2025, which he referred to as the 'Romanian model.' Last year, the Romanian Constitutional Court invalidated the results following allegations that the election was influenced by Russia. Radev stressed that Bulgaria must also be prepared for a similar scenario of foreign interference.

On the other hand, Radev, who has long advocated for the need for reform in the political system, underscored that the elections represent a turning point for the country.

The situation of Bulgarian voters living in Turkey constitutes another important agenda item of the election process. The reduction in the number of ballot boxes in Turkey under recent regulations has drawn criticism from the opposition on the grounds that it could restrict the voting rights of more than 300 thousand dual citizens. This step has brought about debates regarding voter turnout and accessibility.

Recent polls show that the Progressive Bulgaria Party, led by Radev, has risen to the first place. Ivan Demerdzhiev, a prominent figure in the party and a former Minister of Interior and Deputy Prime Minister, criticized the current political structure in the country in an interview with ANKA News Agency upon his return from contacts in Turkey, warning about "oligarchic and mafia-like influences."

The consecutive elections held in Bulgaria raise the question of whether the political uncertainty will come to an end. How the election results will affect the country's stability will be closely watched by both the Bulgarian public and neighboring countries.

News Source: 12punto