Bulgaria’s Eighth Snap Election Since 2021 Features Radev’s New Anti‑Corruption Party

Bulgaria heads to its eighth snap election since 2021 as former President Rumen Radev launches a new anti‑corruption party, while voter turnout remains under 40 %. The vote will test whether Radev’s movement can break the cycle of short‑lived governments.

Bulgaria has been in a political stalemate since mass anti‑corruption protests erupted in 2020. No government has completed a full term, and parties have repeatedly failed to form stable coalitions. The country’s eighth snap parliamentary election since 2021 began on Sunday, April 19.

This election marks the eighth snap vote called after the regular term ended early. A snap election is a vote held before the scheduled schedule to resolve parliamentary deadlock. Since 2021, Bulgaria has held seven earlier snap elections, none of which produced a lasting majority.

Former President Rumen Radev resigned his post in January to lead the newly formed Progressive Bulgaria party. The party’s platform centers on fighting corruption and reducing oligarchic influence in politics. Radev has criticized former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and politician Delyan Peevski, whom he accuses of shaping the system behind the scenes.

In recent Bulgarian elections, voter turnout has fallen below 40 percent. Analysts warn that low participation could weaken the legitimacy of any resulting parliament. Radev’s candidacy is expected to motivate some voters, but it remains uncertain whether it will lift overall turnout.

The fragmented party landscape makes a single‑party majority unlikely. Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria is projected to win a modest share of the 240‑seat parliament, far short of a governing majority. Former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov’s GERB party is forecast to place second, while Delyan Peevski’s movement is expected to clear the threshold and enter parliament. Coalition talks will therefore hinge on smaller parties such as the socialists, a pro‑European alliance, or the nationalist Revival bloc.

Watch for exit polls after polls close at 8:00 PM and the subsequent coalition negotiations. Whether Radev’s anti‑corruption message drives turnout above 40 percent and shapes a workable government will be the next key development.