SOFIA, Bulgaria — April 19, 2026 Exit polls indicate that the pro-Russian alliance led by former general Rumen Radew, known as Progressives Bulgaria (PB), is poised to win nearly 39% of the vote in Bulgaria’s parliamentary elections, according to data from three major polling institutes. The preliminary results, if confirmed, would position Radew’s alliance as the dominant force in Bulgaria’s next government, significantly ahead of rival factions. The conservative pro-Western coalition GERB-SDS, which led a coalition government until its resignation in December 2025, trails far behind with an estimated 16.2% of the vote.

Projected Results and Key Players

The pro-European liberal-conservative alliance PP-DB is expected to emerge as the third-largest party, securing up to 14.3% of the vote. Meanwhile, the nationalist pro-Russian party Wasraschdane (Rebirth) has suffered a dramatic decline, plummeting to around 5% compared to its 13.3% share in the 2024 elections.

Radew’s strong showing reflects a shift in Bulgaria’s political landscape, with voters favoring his Russia-friendly stance amid ongoing regional tensions. The GERB-SDS coalition, traditionally a key player in Bulgarian politics, now faces an uphill battle to retain influence.

Implications for Bulgaria’s Future