Bulgaria’s president will start talks on new cabinet after government collapse

Bulgaria’s President to Begin Government Formation Talks Following Anti-Corruption Protests

Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev will initiate consultations with parliamentary groups next week as the country grapples with political uncertainty after nationwide anti-corruption protests toppled the government. The minority administration of Rosen Zhelyazkov, which had weathered six no-confidence votes since January, finally succumbed to massive street demonstrations on Thursday that saw tens of thousands of Bulgarians take to the streets.

Following constitutional procedure, Radev will first invite the largest parliamentary group to form a government. If that attempt fails, the second-largest faction will receive an opportunity, before the president selects a candidate of his choosing. Political analysts widely anticipate that all these efforts will prove unsuccessful, necessitating the appointment of a caretaker cabinet to govern until fresh elections can be held within two months.

The expected electoral outcome would mark Bulgaria’s eighth parliamentary election since 2021, likely producing another fragmented legislature and prolonging the political instability that has plagued the Balkan nation. This timing is particularly critical as Bulgaria prepares for its scheduled entry into the eurozone on January 1.

Public sentiment toward adopting the euro has grown increasingly negative, fueled in part by fears of inflation. Intelligence sources indicate that this hesitancy has been amplified by a coordinated disinformation campaign allegedly orchestrated by Moscow. Bulgaria, which joined the European Union in 2007, has struggled to maintain a consistent pro-Western policy course amid growing Russian influence.

In what appears to be a calculated move to exploit the current political turmoil, the pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party has introduced a draft resolution in parliament seeking to postpone Bulgaria’s eurozone entry by one year. The party cited the absence of a new budget and the ongoing political instability as justifications for the delay. While the resolution has slim chances of passing, it underscores the intensifying political divisions that threaten to undermine Bulgaria’s Western integration.

Political analyst Ognyan Minchev highlighted the fundamental challenge facing the country: “In Bulgaria, the political forces that can stop the Kremlin’s plan to control our country are divided by another major problem in Bulgarian politics.” He pointed to persistent infighting among pro-Western parties over domestic policies that has prevented a unified front against external influence operations.

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, observers expect President Radev himself to form a new political party ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. The left-leaning president has previously criticized the pro-Western government’s support for Ukraine, raising concerns among Bulgaria’s Western allies about the country’s future foreign policy orientation.

The political crisis comes at a delicate moment for Bulgaria’s economy. The controversial budget that initially sparked protests included austerity measures that provoked widespread public anger. Several major demonstrations rocked Sofia in early December, with police clashing with protesters as tensions escalated.

The student population has emerged as a particularly vocal contingent in these protests, with young Bulgarians waving national flags and demanding systemic change. Their participation signals growing frustration among younger generations with perceived corruption and the country’s stagnating economic prospects.

As Bulgaria approaches the prospect of yet another election, the stakes for its democratic institutions and geopolitical alignment could not be higher. The outcome will determine not only the composition of the next government but potentially the country’s stance toward the European Union, NATO, and Russia in the coming years.