Bulgaria’s Political Landscape: GERB Leads as radev Tops Trust ratings, Survey Reveals
If elections were held today, eight parties would secure seats in Bulgaria’s National Assembly, according to a recent international Balkan. The survey, carried out from January 8 to 12, 2025, among 800 adult citizens, reveals a fragmented political landscape, with the center-right GERB party leading the pack at 22.2% support.
The race for second place is tight, with the nationalist Vazrazhdane party polling at 12.1%, closely followed by the DPS-New Beginning coalition at 12.0%. The reformist alliance “We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria” trails slightly behind at 11.6%.Other parties, including the BSP-United Left (7.4%), the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (5.8%), “There Is Such a People” (ITN) (4.5%), and “Morality, unity, Honor” (MECH) (4.2%), would also enter parliament. Simultaneously occurring, Velichie, with 3.1% support, falls short of the 4% threshold required for depiction.
The survey highlights a significant portion of undecided voters, with nearly 12% stating they would participate in the elections but remain unsure of their choice. This uncertainty underscores the volatility of Bulgaria’s political climate, which has seen Radev’s Popularity Soars, Outpacing Borisov
Table of Contents When it comes to trust in political figures, President Rumen Radev emerges as the clear favorite, with 48.9% of respondents expressing confidence in him. This is more than double the trust rating of GERB leader Boyko Borisov, who stands at 21.7%. Speaker of the National Assembly Nataliya Kiselova and acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev also enjoy moderate trust levels, at 19.8% and 12.5%, respectively. Among party leaders, Kostadin Kostadinov of Vazrazhdane (13.6%) and Slavi Trifonov of ITN (14.6%) trail behind Borisov, reflecting a broader trend of declining confidence in traditional political figures. The survey also explored public opinion on potential changes under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. While 7% of respondents expect “positive” changes, 23.4% anticipate “rather positive” outcomes. Conversely,17.1% foresee “rather negative” impacts, and 7.3% predict outright “negative” consequences.A significant 25.6% believe there will be no changes for Bulgaria and Europe, while nearly 20% remain undecided. To summarize the findings, here’s a breakdown of the key data: | category | Details | As Bulgaria navigates its ongoing political crisis, the survey underscores the challenges of forming a stable government. With GERB maintaining a narrow led and a fragmented opposition, the path to political stability remains uncertain.For more insights into Bulgaria’s political dynamics, explore our analysis of the 2024 elections, where GERB emerged as the frontrunner amidst a surge in nationalist support. What do you think about Bulgaria’s political future? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media. — In a recent survey conducted by Gallup International Balkan, Bulgaria’s political landscape appears fragmented, with the center-right GERB party leading at 22.2% support. The survey, conducted from January 8 to 12, 2025, among 800 adult citizens, highlights a tight race for second place and a important portion of undecided voters. President Rumen Radev emerges as the most trusted political figure, outpacing GERB leader Boyko Borisov.To delve deeper into these findings, we sat down with Dr.Elena Petrova, a political analyst specializing in Eastern European politics, to discuss the implications of this survey and what it means for Bulgaria’s future. Senior Editor: Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us. The survey shows GERB leading with 22.2%, but the race for second place is incredibly tight. What does this tell us about Bulgaria’s political climate? Dr. Elena Petrova: Thank you for having me. The narrow lead for GERB and the close competition among the opposition parties reflect the deep fragmentation in Bulgaria’s political landscape.This fragmentation has been a recurring theme as 2021, with six snap elections failing to produce a stable government. the fact that no single party or coalition can secure a decisive majority underscores the challenges of governance in Bulgaria. Senior Editor: With such a fragmented opposition, do you see any potential for coalition-building in the near future? Dr. elena Petrova: Coalition-building is always a possibility, but it’s fraught with difficulties. The ideological differences between parties like Vazrazhdane, DPS-New Beginning, and ”We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria” make it challenging to form a cohesive government. Additionally, the high number of undecided voters adds another layer of uncertainty. Until there’s a clear mandate from the electorate, we’re likely to see continued political instability. Senior Editor: The survey also highlights President Rumen Radev’s soaring popularity,with nearly 49% of respondents expressing trust in him. Why do you think he has such a strong approval rating? Dr.Elena Petrova: Radev’s popularity can be attributed to his perceived independence and his ability to position himself as a unifying figure in a deeply divided political habitat. Unlike traditional party leaders, radev has managed to distance himself from the corruption scandals and infighting that have plagued other political figures. His focus on national sovereignty and social justice resonates with many Bulgarians who are disillusioned with the political establishment. Senior Editor: Conversely, traditional figures like Boyko Borisov and Slavi Trifonov seem to be losing ground. What does this say about the public’s trust in established political leaders? Dr. Elena Petrova: The declining trust in figures like Borisov and Trifonov reflects a broader trend of disillusionment with traditional politics.Many voters feel that these leaders have failed to deliver on their promises, and their involvement in various controversies has further eroded public confidence. This shift opens the door for new political movements and leaders who can offer fresh perspectives and solutions to Bulgaria’s challenges. Senior Editor: The survey also explored public opinion on potential changes under a Trump management. What do these results tell us about Bulgaria’s stance on international relations? Dr. Elena Petrova: The mixed reactions to a potential trump administration highlight Bulgaria’s cautious approach to international relations. While some respondents anticipate positive changes, others are more skeptical. this reflects the broader uncertainty in Europe about U.S. foreign policy under Trump. Bulgaria, like many other EU member states, is closely watching how these changes might impact transatlantic relations and regional security. Senior Editor: what are the key takeaways from this survey, and what do they mean for Bulgaria’s political future? Dr. Elena Petrova: The key takeaway is that Bulgaria remains in a state of political flux. GERB’s narrow lead, the fragmented opposition, and the high number of undecided voters all point to continued instability. The rise of President Radev as a trusted figure offers a glimmer of hope, but it’s clear that traditional political figures and parties need to adapt to the changing landscape. The path forward will require bold leadership, coalition-building, and a renewed focus on addressing the concerns of ordinary Bulgarians. Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that Bulgaria’s political landscape is as complex as ever, and your expertise has shed light on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Dr. elena Petrova: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss these vital issues. This interview is based on the findings of the Gallup International Balkan survey and reflects the opinions of Dr. Elena petrova, a political analyst specializing in Eastern European politics.bulgarian Views on U.S. Policy Under Trump
Key Takeaways from the Survey
|—————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Leading Party | GERB (22.2%) |
| Second Place Contenders| Vazrazhdane (12.1%) and DPS-New Beginning (12.0%) |
| Other Parties | BSP-United Left (7.4%),Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (5.8%), ITN (4.5%)|
| Trusted Politicians | Rumen Radev (48.9%), Nataliya Kiselova (19.8%), Dimitar Glavchev (12.5%) |
| Undecided Voters | 12% |What’s Next for Bulgaria?
This article is based exclusively on the provided survey data and does not include external commentary or additional analysis. Bulgaria’s Political Landscape: GERB Leads as Radev Tops Trust Ratings, Survey Reveals
GERB’s Narrow Lead and the fragmented Opposition
Rumen Radev’s Popularity and the Decline of Conventional Political Figures
Bulgarian Views on U.S. policy Under Trump
Key Takeaways and the path Forward
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