Bulgaria has held eight national parliamentary elections over the past five years – an EU-wide record. The country’s spiralling political crisis started in 2020, as protests against the country’s corruption and oligarchic system caused the collapse of the government. From then on, a succession of elections and failed governments rattled Bulgaria. Throughout these years, Rumen Radev turned his constitutionally ceremonial role into a more active and political one, eventually resigning to run for Prime Minister himself – and earning a landslide victory.
On 25 October 2026, Bulgaria will hold its presidential elections. What do these elections tell us about the political climate in the country? And why should you care?
EU Democracy Unpacked is our short video series exploring the power of democratic life in Europe. Each episode focuses on a different development in EU democracy, from national elections to citizens’ initiatives.
Script & filming: Allegra Wirmer
Editing: Barbara Vanotti
Data sourced from Balkan Insight and New Eastern Europe.
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