Moscow has capitalised on political instability within the EU and NATO’s south-eastern member Bulgaria ahead of parliamentary elections on Sunday.
Bulgarians are voting on Sunday in the seventh general election in just over three years, as their country faces growing political instability that could encourage the rise of pro-Russian and far-right sentiment.
Only two of the six general elections since 2021 have produced an elected government. However, they both collapsed after trying to introduce reforms and cut remnants of the country’s reliance on Russia.
The latest vote held in June produced no clear winner and the seven factions elected in the fragmented legislature were unable to put together a viable coalition.
Observers suggest the coming vote will produce more of the same, with chances of an immediate end to the political stalemate low.
Pollsters predict voter fatigue and disillusionment in the political system will result in a low turnout and fragmented parliament where populist and pro-Russian groups could increase their representation.
A record low turnout is expected and at the same time a high number of controlled votes – not only bought votes but also those due to pressure from local authorities, including corporate ones, said prominent analyst Stoyana Georgieva.
She sees a possibility that the main pro-Russia party in Bulgaria, Vazrazhdane, will emerge as a second political force.
The far-right, ultra-nationalist and populist party insists Bulgaria to lift sanctions against Russia, stop helping Ukraine, and hold a referendum on its membership in NATO.
The Balkan country of 6.7 million has been gripped by political instability since 2020, when nationwide protests erupted against corrupt politicians that had allowed oligarchs to take control of state institutions.
Bulgaria is one of the poorest and most corrupt European Union Member States and attempts to fight graft are an uphill battle against an unreformed judiciary widely accused of serving the interests of politicians.
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