After seven elections in four years, Bulgaria formed a new coalition government led by Rossen Zhelyazkov (GERB) in January 2025. The coalition includes BSP–United Left and “There Is Such a People”, with outside support from DPS (Turkish ethnic interests). Its main goals: judicial reforms, effective use of EU funds, preparation for eurozone accession (target: January 1, 2026), and overcoming institutional crisis.
Parliamentary Dynamics and Key Challenges
- The opposition is strengthening through pro-European, nationalist and populist parties.
- Constitutional Court rulings – in March 2025, 17 MPs lost mandates due to electoral violations; the majority dropped to the minimum (121 out of 240).
- The rise of radical parties (“Greatness”) and low electoral turnout fuel instability.
- Allegations of election fraud and low public trust persist.
Potential Scenarios
- Realistic: The government survives through compromises, achieves limited reforms, instability persists, new elections are possible in 2026.
- Optimistic: Successful coalition consolidation, key reforms delivered, stronger institutions, lower risk of crisis.
- Pessimistic: Coalition collapses, reforms blocked, EU freezes funding, deepening political crisis.
Conclusion
The prospects for sustainable governance depend on the ability of leaders to manage internal conflict, strengthen parliamentary mechanisms, and restore trust in the election process. European integration remains on the agenda, but reforms are permanently at risk. New elections or a profound political crisis remain a real possibility in the coming months.
Disclaimer: This article is an analytical review by BurgasMedia’s editorial board based on current events. The conclusions offered are hypothetical, not predictions. The editorial team assumes no responsibility for future discrepancies and encourages readers to form their own opinions based on verified sources.