SOFIA, Bulgaria — April 19, 2026
Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev's "Progressive Bulgaria" party has secured a decisive victory in the country's parliamentary elections, according to exit polls by the Alpha Research institute, marking a dramatic shift in the nation's political landscape.
Election Results and Key Figures
Exit polls indicate that Radev's party won a commanding lead with 16.2% of the vote, far ahead of the center-right GERB party of former long-time Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, which trailed with 16.2%. GERB's government had resigned in December following mass protests. The liberal-conservative pro-European alliance PP-DB (We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria) placed third with 14.3%, while the business-friendly party of oligarch Delyan Peevski, DPS, secured 8.4%.
Projections suggest Radev's party will hold 105 seats in the 240-member parliament, while GERB would have 43 and PP-DB 38. Peevski's party is expected to enter parliament with 23 representatives, and the nationalist-populist faction "Vazrazhdane" (Rebirth) will hold 14 seats. The pro-Russian, EU-skeptic "Vazrazhdane" saw a sharp decline, dropping to fifth place with just 4.9% of the vote after previously being the third-largest party.
Voter Turnout and Political Shifts
Voter participation surged to over 40%, the highest level since Bulgaria's political crisis began five years ago. The increased turnout reflects growing public engagement amid economic instability and dissatisfaction with previous administrations.