2024 Bulgarian parliamentary election

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2024 Bulgarian parliamentary election
Flag of Bulgaria.svg
  2023 9 June 2024

All 240 seats in the National Assembly
121 seats needed for a majority
Turnout33.40% (Decrease2.svg 5.69pp)
PartyLeader%Seats+/–
GERB–SDS Boyko Borisov 23.9968−1
DPS Delyan Peevski 16.5647+11
PP–DB Kiril Petkov 13.9239−25
Revival Kostadin Kostadinov 13.3838+1
BSPzB Korneliya Ninova 6.8519−4
ITN Slavi Trifonov 5.7916+5
Velichie Albena Pekova 4.5213New
This lists parties that won seats. See the complete results below.
2024 Bulgarian parliamentary election.svg
Results by constituency
Prime Minister before
Dimitar Glavchev (caretaker)
Independent

Early parliamentary elections were held in Bulgaria on 9 June 2024, [1] [2] to elect members of the National Assembly. The election coincided with the European Parliament election on the same day. [1] [2]

Contents

This parliamentary election was initially scheduled to be held before 12 June 2027; however, the planned rotation agreed to by GERB and PP–DB failed to materialise in March 2024, and no other government could be formed.

GERB–SDS had the best results, winning nearly 24% of the vote and 68 seats, but it did not obtain a majority in the National Assembly. Voter turnout was 33%, which was the lowest turnout since the end of communist rule in 1989.

Background

Following several snap elections, the Bulgarian National Assembly had failed to put together a long-lasting government since 'anti-corruption' parties made a breakthrough in the April 2021 election. [3] [4] The 2023 election saw little change from 2022, with Boyko Borisov's centre-right GERB–SDS narrowly coming in first place, above the centrist PP–DB alliance. The far right Revival (VAZ) and the populist There is Such a People (ITN) made gains, with the latter re-entering the Assembly after it failed to reach the electoral threshold in 2022. [5] [6]

On 22 May 2023, the PP- and GERB-led alliances agreed to form a government with a rotational premiership. Nikolai Denkov, PP's candidate, would be the Prime Minister for the first nine months of the government and Mariya Gabriel, the GERB candidate, would serve as deputy prime minister and foreign affairs minister. After nine months, the two would switch positions. [7]

Denkov resigned in accordance with the rotation agreement on 5 March, to allow Gabriel to become the new Prime Minister. [8] On 20 March 2024, the planned government rotation and signing of a renewed government failed due to disagreements between the two alliances on the cabinet and breaking down of relations. [9] [10] [11] Negotiations ensued across to form a new government, [12] but failed to produce any governments that could reach a majority support. [13] [14] [15] [16] GERB rejected the chance to form a government. PP–DB made a limited attempt to respect the original rotation agreement. The final chance to form a government, chosen by president Rumen Radev, went to ITN, which was immediately rejected. [17] [18] [19] [20]

On 29 March, as per Article 98 of the constitution, [21] the President appointed the Chairman of the National Audit Office, Dimitar Glavchev, as the candidate for caretaker prime minister. [22] He was granted a one week deadline of until 6 April to propose the composition of the caretaker government. [23]

Glavchev presented his proposal for the caretaker government on 5 April, [24] accepted by the President following negotiations and scheduling the election for 9 June. [25] [26] Glavchev and his cabinet were inaugurated on 9 April by the National Assembly. [27]

Election schedule

The Central Election Commission announced the campaign would begin at midday on 10 May and end at midnight on 7 June. [28]

The current 49th Parliament was to stay in session at least until the election campaign begins, where a decision of election recess is expected to be adopted by Parliament. The 49th Parliament suspended its normal working process by an adopted election recess on 27 April. While on election recess the 49th Parliament could reconvene for an extraordinary sitting in exceptional circumstances. The 50th Parliament will replace the 49th Parliament as soon as the newly elected members are sworn in after the election. [29]

On election day, polling opened at 07:00 and closed at 20:00. [30]

Parties

Parliamentary parties

The table below lists the political party groups represented in the 49th National Assembly.[ citation needed ]

NameIdeologyPositionLeader(s)2023 result
Votes (%)Seats
GERB–SDS GERB–SDS Conservatism Centre-right Boyko Borisov 25.39%
69 / 240
[lower-alpha 1]
PP–DB We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria Liberalism Centre to
centre-right
Kiril Petkov
Asen Vasilev
Hristo Ivanov
Atanas Atanasov
23.54%
64 / 240
[lower-alpha 2]
Revival Revival Ultranationalism Far-right Kostadin Kostadinov 13.58%
37 / 240
DPS Movement for Rights and Freedoms Turkish minority interests Centre Delyan Peevski
Dzhevdet Chakarov
13.18%
36 / 240
BSPzB BSP for Bulgaria Social democracy Centre-left Korneliya Ninova 8.56%
23 / 240
ITN There is Such a People Populism Right-wing Slavi Trifonov 3.94%
11 / 240
  1. GERB 66, SDS 2, DG 1
  2. PP 36, DaB! 13, DSB 10, ZD 3, Volt 1, SEK 1

Contesting parties and coalitions

Below is the official list of parties and coalitions that registered lists for the Bulgarian Parliamentary elections. [31]

#Party or coalitionIdeologyLeader 2023 result
Votes (%)Seats
1 There is Such a People Right-wing populism Slavi Trifonov 3.94%
11 / 240
2 Peoples Voice Right-wing populism Svetoslav Vitkov 0.21%
0 / 240
3Blue Bulgaria Conservative Union of the Right National conservatism
Anti-communism
Petar Moskov 0.29%
0 / 240
National Movement for Stability and Progress Liberalism Stanimir Ilchev 0.25%
0 / 240
Bulgarian Democratic Forum  [ bg ] National conservatism
Anti-communism
Zhaklin Toleva  [ bg ]DNP
Movement for Democratic Action-DZ Liberal conservatism Stefan Ivanov
Bulgaria for Citizens Movement Liberalism Jordan Jordanov  [ bg ]
Conservative Bulgaria National conservatism Boris Yachev
Radical-Democratic Party Social conservatism
Anti-communism
Zahari Petrov
Bulgarian New Democracy Liberal conservatism Valeri Georgiev
Agrarian People's Union Agrarianism
Conservatism
Rumen Yonchev
4We Citizens Bulgarian Spring  [ bg ] Left-wing nationalism Svetoslav MandikovDNP
Bulgarian Workers-Peasant Party Marxism-Leninism Georgi Ivanov
Yordan Maldzhanski
Competence, Responsibility and Truth  [ bg ] Populism Svetozar Saev  [ bg ] Out of EU and NATO  [ bg ]
Natsiya  [ bg ] Ultranationalism
Hard Euroscepticism
Kiril Gumnerov  [ bg ]
5Independent candidateKuzman IlievDNP
6Bulgarian VoiceBulgarian Voice Bulgarian nationalism Georgi PopovDNP
Alternative for Bulgaria National conservatism Nikolay Drenchev  [ bg ]New
7 Coalition of the Rose  [ bg ] Bulgarian Social Democracy-EuroLeft Social Democracy Aleksandr Tomov 0.10%
0 / 240
United Block of Labour  [ bg ] Social democracy
Labourism
Yekaterina AtanasovaDNP
Patriotism 2000
8Center Svovoda  [ bg ] Bulgarian nationalism Vladimir SimeonovDNP
Bulgarian Agrarian Party Agrarianism
National Movement "Center" Anti-corruption
Populism
Darin DrosevNew
9 Solidary Bulgaria Bulgarian Left Democratic socialism Boyan KirovDNP
United Social-Democracy  [ bg ] Social democracy Yordan Gergov
Stand Up.BG Social democracy
Left-wing populism
Maya Manolova Left!
Normal State  [ bg ] Social democracy Georgi Kadiev  [ bg ]
Solidary Bulgaria Social democracy Vanya Grigorova New
10Unification Centrism
Liberalism
Ivan Hristanov  [ bg ]New
11 Bulgarian National Unification Bulgarian nationalism
National conservatism
Georgi Georgiev-Goti  [ bg ]0.09%
0 / 240
12 Revival Ultranationalism
Right-wing populism
Kostadin Kostadinov 13.58%
37 / 240
13Morality, Unity, Honour Anti-corruption
Social conservatism
Radostin Vasilev  [ bg ]New
14 PP–DB We Continue the Change Liberalism
Anti-corruption
Kiril Petkov
Asen Vasilev
23.53%
64 / 240
Volt Bulgaria European federalism
Pro-Europeanism
Nastimir Ananiev
Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria Conservatism
Anti-communism
Atanas Atanasov
Yes, Bulgaria! Liberalism
Anti-corruption
Hristo Ivanov
15 People's Party "Truth and Only the Truth"  [ bg ] Anti-vaccination
Ultranationalism
Ventsislav Angelov  [ bg ]0.29%
0 / 240
16 Bulgarian Rise National conservatism Stefan Yanev 2.93%
0 / 240
17Citizens BlockBulgarian Democratic Union-Radicals Bulgarian nationalism DNP
Party of Bulgarian Women Women's issues Vesela Draganova
Citizens Block Anti-corruption
Social conservatism
Ivan Geshev New
18 Society for a New Bulgaria  [ bg ] Social conservatism Margarit MitsevDNP
19 The Left! Alternative for Bulgarian Revival Social democracy
Moderate social conservatism
Rumen Petkov 2.14%
0 / 240
ex-BSP faction Social democracy Valeri Zhablyanov  [ bg ]
Movement 21 Social democracy Tatyana Doncheva
Agrarian Union "Aleksandar Stamboliyski" Agrarianism Spas Panchev  [ bg ]
Green Party of Bulgaria Green politics Marina DragomiretskayaDNP
Political Movement "Social Democrats" Social democracy Yelena Noneva
National Movement for the Salvation of the Fatherland Left-wing nationalism Todor Rashev
20 Party of the Greens  [ bg ] Green politics
Left-wing nationalism
Vladimir Nikolov Together Bulgaria  [ bg ]
21 We Are Coming Liberalism Mariya Kapon  [ bg ]DNP
22 GERB–SDS GERB Social conservatism
Pro-Europeanism
Boyko Borisov 25.39%
63 / 240
SDS Christian democracy
Anti-communism
Rumen Hristov
George's Day Movement National conservatism
Bulgarian nationalism
Lyuben Dilov Jr.
23 Bulgarian National Union Ultranationalism Boyan Rasate  [ bg ]0.07%
0 / 240
24 BSP for Bulgaria BSP Social conservatism
Social democracy
Korneliya Ninova 8.56%
23 / 240
Ecoglasnost Green politics
Environmentalism
Emil Georgiev  [ bg ]
Political Club "Trakiya"  [ bg ] Left wing nationalism Stefan Nachev
MIR  [ bg ] Left-wing nationalism Simeon Slavchev  [ bg ]0.15%
0 / 240
25 Majesty Bulgarian nationalism
Anti-corruption
Nikolay MarkovNew
26 VMRO National conservatism
Bulgarian nationalism
Krasimir Karakachanov DNP
27 Direct Democracy  [ bg ] Bulgarian nationalism
Direct democracy
Petar Klisarov  [ bg ]DNP
28 Movement for Rights and Freedoms Turkish minority interests
Liberalism
Delyan Peevski
Dzhevdet Chakarov
13.18%
36 / 240
29 Green Movement Green liberalism
Green politics
Toma Belev  [ bg ]
Daniela Bozhinova  [ bg ]
PP–DB
30For a Great Bulgaria Bulgarian nationalism Kamen PopovNew
31 Bulgarian Union for Direct Democracy  [ bg ] Direct democracy Georgi Nedelchev  [ bg ]0.23%
0 / 240
32 Neutral Bulgaria Russophiles for the
Revival of the Fatherland
Russophilia
National conservatism
Nikolay Malinov  [ bg ]0.4%
0 / 240
Bulgarian Communist Party Communism Zonka Spasova
Party of the Bulgarian Communists Communism
Marxism–Leninism
Collective leadership
Communist Party of Bulgaria Marxism–Leninism Alexander Paunov DNP

Campaign

Campaign slogans and websites

The following list present the official campaign slogans and websites of parties that contested the 2024 Bulgarian parliamentary election:

Party or CoalitionSloganSite
There is Such a PeopleLet's bring back sanity! https://pp-itn.bg/
Peoples VoiceThe only ones left suitable https://glasnaroden.com/
Blue BulgariaBecause there is a sense https://sinyabulgaria.bg/
We CitizensLet's get our country back https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559626163761
Kuzman Iliev Iliev – independentBulgaria can! https://bmsbg.org/
Bulgarian VoiceThere is an alternative! https://ppbulgarskiglas.bg/
Coalition of the RoseTogether we can! https://www.facebook.com/zaednoreferendum
CenterIt's time... FOR YOU https://center-bg.com/
Solidary BulgariaIt's time for the people! https://solidbul.eu/
UnificationConcrete solutions https://edinenie.bg/
Bulgarian National UnificationUnited with you https://bno-bg.com/
RevivalWe are reviving Bulgaria/Europe https://vazrazhdane.bg/
Morality, Unity, HonourBulgaria First! https://www.ppmech.bg/
PP–DBMajority for a normal European Bulgaria https://ppdb.bg/
People's Party "Truth and Only the Truth"Divine support https://www.facebook.com/groups/207009572756325/
Bulgarian RiseTogether for the rise of Bulgaria! https://bgvazhod.com/
Citizens BlockBulgarians, you are the fist https://grajdanskiblok.bg/
Society for a New BulgariaJustice for all, security for all https://onbbg.org/
The Left!Not to war! Peace to Bulgaria! https://www.levicata.com/
Party of the GreensBulgaria has everything it needs to cope with the crisis and develop itself! https://partianazelenite.bg/
We Are ComingNot to fear! https://nieidvame.org/
GERB–SDSA stable Bulgaria in a secure Europe https://gerb.bg/
Bulgarian National UnionSave Bulgaria, save yourself! https://bgns.net/
BSP for BulgariaFor a dignified Bulgaria in a peaceful Europe https://bsp.bg/
MajestyMajesty/Greatness for Bulgaria! https://velichie.bg/
VMROTime for unity and strength! https://www.facebook.com/www.vmro.bg/
Direct DemocracyA new political model https://www.directdemocracy.bg/
Movement for Rights and FreedomsTogether with the people https://www.dps.bg/
Green MovementThe power of being honest https://zelenodvizhenie.bg/
For a Great BulgariaBulgaria a zone of peace https://zavelikabulgaria.bg/
Bulgarian Union for Direct DemocracyNew, time-proven! https://www.budd.bg/
Neutral BulgariaLet's talk about the important stuff! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552028243492

Allegations of corruption and improper political behaviour

Customs Agency scandal

On 3 April, the head of the Customs Agency, Petya Bankova, along with her deputy, and two others were arrested in relation to their alleged participation in an organised criminal group dealing blackmarket tobacco products. [32] Following the arrests, Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Zhivko Kotsev announced his resignation, with PP–DB leaders suggesting this had been coerced. [33] A day later, Kotsev withdrew his resignation in a joint-briefing with acting Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov where they repeated the claim. [34]

Photos including the suspects and PP–DB-affiliated politicians were leaked, and Parliament formed a commission to investigate the scandal. Controversially, one of its aims was to investigate the role of PP co-leader Asen Vasilev in the affair. [35] [36] The commission heard claims that the PP–DB politicians were involved. [37] These claims were disputed, and former PP interior minister Boyko Rashkov claimed those alleging the link were themselves involved in the scandal. [38] Vasilev also appeared before the committee, denying any wrong doing or connections with the named suspects. [39]

On 25 April, the committee published its report, which claimed to prove Asen Vasilev's role within the scheme. [40]

The events of the scandal, despite occurring outside the election campaign period, were identified by some analysts as signalling the "beginning" of the pre-election campaign. [41] Additionally, the scandal was used in the campaign, notably by ITN, in order to attack PP–DB. [42]

"Turkish Stream" gas pipeline scandal

In early March, an alleged copy of the roadmap for the construction of the TurkStream (also known as the "Balkan Stream") gas pipeline through Bulgaria was released by the investigative newspaper, BG Elves. [43] It suggested that the main role in the construction of the pipeline was undertaken by Russian firms, additionally it demonstrated that the pipeline's construction directly served Russian interests. [44] The pipeline was given approval by the Third Borisov government.

PP–DB accused GERB of helping Russia build a new pathway for natural gas circumventing Ukraine, thus enabling the Russian invasion of Ukraine. [45] A parliamentary committee was formed to investigate the leak, however, its work ended up being hindered due to partisan gridlock. [46]

Audio-tape leaks

As had occurred previously during the government formation of the Denkov Government, audio recordings by senior PP–DB figures were allegedly leaked. One, published on the online newspaper Afera, was from a PP leadership meeting where they discussed illegal party finance methods. [47] PP–DB representatives claimed this recording was taken out of context. [48]

Borisov-Peevski billboard

As part of their campaign, PP–DB released a billboard containing the image of former Prime Minister Denkov, on one side, and the leaders of GERB and DPS, Borisov and Peevski, on the other, with a sign asking "who do you want to be prime minister?". The sign was promptly removed after a legal complaint by GERB, who claimed the billboard denigrated the person of Boyko Borisov. [49] In a campaign meeting, Borisov called Denkov's behaviour as offensive, and claimed that this demonstrated that Denkov was unfit to be prime minister. [50]

Public finances

During the election campaign, GERB, specifically Delyan Dobrev consistently criticised the policies of Asen Vasilev, accusing him of increasing the public debt and increasing inflation, while not doing enough to attract investment. [51] Borisov declared that if GERB were to come to power they would implement a more "strict" fiscal policy. [52]

PP–DB, on the other hand, defended the track record of Asen Vasilev, pointing to an increase in incomes. [53] They further accused GERB of trying to add spending outside of that set aside by the budget in order to sabotage Bulgaria's entrance into the Eurozone. [54]

Parties on the left, such as BSP, Levitsata and Solidary Bulgaria, generally supported the implementation of a progressive tax system, with BSP, for example, advocating for a tax break for all those under 26. [55]

The right-wing coalition, Blue Bulgaria, called for less state involvement in the economy, with government finance instead being focused on healthcare, education and security. [56]

Foreign policy

One of the key policy issues which dominated the elections was Bulgaria's position on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A number of parties (specifically, Revival, BSP, Levitsata!, Solidary Bulgaria and Velichie) advocated for Bulgaria to not send lethal aid to Ukraine and supported paying Russia for gas. [57] [58]

Post-election government formation

Due to the continous political instability in Bulgaria, ever since the April 2021 Bulgarian parliamentary election, post-election government formations has been one of the key topics of the election campaign.

GERB, shortly after the collapse of government negotiations following the Denkov government's resignation, had indicated that they would re-initiate negotiations with PP–DB, albeit conditional on a "new approach" from the PP–DB leadership. [59] However, they became more hostile to PP–DB, especially after they supported a motion to oust the GERB speaker of the National Assembly. [60] Boyko Borisov, GERB's leader, made clear that they would not govern solely with DPS. [61] On 24 May, Borisov announced that GERB should take a "leading role" in any future government. [62]

PP–DB expressed a willingness to negotiate a coalition government with GERB, however it excluded the possibility of any involvement from Delyan Peevski in a future government, thus excluding DPS. [63] During an interview with bTV, former Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov stated that PP–DB would not form a government which involved either Boyko Borisov or Delyan Peevski. [64]

Delyan Peevski, on his part, did not exclude his party's participation in either a GERB-led or PP–DB-led government, claiming he had a stable working relationship with both PP leader Kiril Petkov and Boyko Borisov. [65]

A number of parties promised during the campaign period promised they would not enter any informal governing arrangements with GERB, DPS or PP–DB. Specifically, BSP leader, Korneliya Ninova, highlighted her party as the "only one" which had not engaged in any such deals with GERB. [66] Solidary Bulgaria candidate, and Stand Up.BG leader, Maya Manolova promised that Solidary, if they entered parliament, would not govern with GERB, DPS or PP–DB. [67]

Opinion polls

Opinion polling for the 2024 Bulgarian parliamentary election.svg
Local regression of polls conducted, excluding "none of the above"

The opinion poll results below were recalculated from the original data and exclude polls that chose "I will not vote" or "I am uncertain" options.

121 seats are needed for a parliamentary majority.

Polling firmFieldwork dateSample GERB–SDS PP–DB Revival DPS BSPzB ITN BV Left SBG SB Others NOTA LeadGovt.Opp.
Alpha Research 1–4 June 2024100025.1
71
15.4
44
15.2
43
14.8
42
8.1
23
6.2
17
2.4
0
3.3
0
9.59.7
CAM 31 May-4 June 202482126.4
73
16.6
46
14.5
40
15
42
8.4
24
5.3
14
1.8
0
1.4
0
3.2
0
2.4
0
5 [lower-alpha 1] 4.29.7
Exacta 30 May-4 June 2024105026.4
74
15.5
43
14.8
41
14.6
40
9
25
6.2
17
2.1
0
3.2
0
8.29.7
Gallup 29 May-4 June 2024100325.9
72
15.7
44
15.5
43
15.3
42
8
22
6.1
17
1
0
1.1
0
3.1
0
2.8
0
5.5 [lower-alpha 2] 10.2
Trend 29 May-4 June 2024100726.5
74
15.3
43
15.1
42
14.9
42
8.5
23
5.9
16
1.1
0
1.3
0
3.4
0
2.1
0
5.9 [lower-alpha 3] 4.411.2
Sova Harris 29 May-3 June 2024100025.5
74
15.1
43
15.3
44
14.2
41
8.4
24
5.1
14
1.2
0
2.5
0
3.4
0
3.2
0
6.1 [lower-alpha 4] 10.2
Mediana 25 May-1 June 202499028.6
81
12.9
37
14.9
42
13.5
38
8.6
25
6.3
17
1.6
0
3.2
0
3.0
0
3.4
0
4.013.7
Market Links 23 May-2 June 2024100427.5
79
17.1
49
12.4
36
13.7
39
8.4
24
4.5
13
2
0
3
0
7.7 [lower-alpha 5] 3.510.5
Mediana 12–18 May 202497827.5
77
13.7
38
15.7
44
14.2
39
9
25
6.2
17
1.2
0
2.9
0
2.7
0
3.1
0
3.8 [lower-alpha 6] 11.8
Trend 11–18 May 2024100326.1
74
15.4
43
14.8
42
14.9
42
8.5
24
5.5
15
1.2
0
1.4
0
2.4
0
1.8
0
8 [lower-alpha 7] 5.110.7
Sova Harris 8–13 May 2024100026.6
73
16.1
45
15.3
42
15
41
9.1
24
5.4
15
1.4
0
3.8
0
2.1
0
4.3 [lower-alpha 8] 10.5
Market Links 27 Apr-9 May 202428.4
80
19.3
55
14
39
14.4
41
9.2
25
3.6
0
2
0
1.5
0
4.13.69.1
Alpha Research 24 Apr-2 May 2024100025.4
71
17.5
49
14.6
41
14.9
41
8.5
24
5.2
14
1.3
0
1.9
0
2.6
0
2.5
0
5.67.9
Gallup 22 Apr-2 May 202480826.5
74
16.4
45
15.1
42
15.4
43
8.4
23
4.7
13
2.5
0
1.5
0
9.5 [lower-alpha 9] 10.1
Trend 12 Apr–19 Apr 2024100224.9
73
15.5
45
14.2
41
14.4
42
9.1
26
4.8
13
1.7
0
1.8
0
6.66.99.4
Exacta 11 Apr–18 Apr 2024102025.9
73
16.4
46
13.8
39
14.0
40
9.6
27
5.2
15
7.77.49.5
Market Links 30 Mar–7 Apr 2024104625.517.110.3
11.8
8.7
3.9
22.7 [lower-alpha 10] 8.4
Gallup International 28 Mar–5 Apr 202480527.4
73
17.9
47
14.9
39
15.2
40
10.5
28
5.2
13
8.99.5
Mar 2024The Denkov Government resigns. A snap election is scheduled for 9 June
Gallup International 29 Feb–8 Mar 202481026.4
69
19.6
52
14.8
39
14.7
39
10.6
28
5.1
13
8.86.846.054.0
Alpha Research 27 Feb–3 Mar 2024100027.0
71
21.9
58
14.6
38
11.0
29
10.9
29
5.8
15
8.85.148.951.1
Market Links 24 Feb–3 Mar 2024105827.9
77
21.2
58
10.8
29
15.0
41
8.8
24
3.9
11 [lower-alpha 11]
8.23.76.749.146.6
24 February 2024 Delyan Peevski and Dzhevdet Chakarov are elected as co-chairmen of DPS
Market Links 26 Jan–4 Feb 2024101627.7
76
20.0
55
11.5
31
14.1
39
9.9
27
4.4
12
7.74.77.747.747.6
Trend 17–24 Jan 2024101624.8
70
17.8
50
14.6
41
13.8
39
9.6
27
4.8
13
1.8
0
1.9
0
3.97.07.042.650.4
Mediana 7–13 Dec 202397822.9
68
15.6
46
13.5
40
12.2
36
11.3
33
5.9
17
1.5
0
3.5
0
3.610.07.338.551.5
Alpha Research 22–30 Nov 2023100025.9
68
21.1
55
14.4
38
12.8
34
11.4
30
5.8
15
8.64.847.053.0
Market Links 10–19 Nov 2023101426.3
71
20.1
54
12.8
35
14.4
39
10.5
29
4.5
12
7.04.26.246.449.4
Trend 11–18 Nov 2023100624.7
70
17.9
50
15.4
43
13.3
38
9.4
27
4.4
12
2.0
0
1.9
0
3.67.46.842.650.0
Market Links 26 Sept–8 Oct 2023103227.1
78
20.1
58
12.7
37
14.2
41
9.1
26
3.2
0
7.06.87.047.246.0
Trend 2–8 Sep 2023100224.9
70
18.3
51
16.1
45
13.4
38
8.7
24
4.2
12
2.1
0
1.9
0
3.96.56.643.250.3
Market Links 11–18 Aug 2023101226.2
70
21.7
58
12.8
34
15.1
41
8.3
22
5.4
15
7.23.04.547.948.8
Mediana 18–24 Jul 202397623.3
67
18.0
51
15.4
44
12.9
37
9.0
26
5.4
15
2.5
0
2.1
0
2.0 [lower-alpha 12] 9.35.341.349.3
Trend 4–11 Jul 2023100124.8
70
19.1
54
15.5
43
13.7
38
8.6
24
4.0
11
1.8
0
1.9
0
4.36.35.743.949.8
Gallup International 29 Jun–9 Jul 202380926.4
69
21.8
57
14.9
39
14.5
38
9.7
26
4.3
11
2.0
0
6.44.648.251.8
CAM 3–7 Jul 2023102126.2
74
21.4
61
14.5
41
13.4
38
9.0
26
3.7
0
1.8
0
1.8
0
3.74.54.847.647.9
Market Links 22 Jun–2 Jul 2023101127.5
75
20.9
57
13.8
38
17.0
46
8.9
24
3.8
0
3.64.66.648.447.0
Alpha Research 20–26 Jun 2023100025.1
70
20.2
56
15.4
43
12.6
35
8.8
25
4.1
11
2.7
0
7.53.64.945.351.1
Exacta 12–20 Jun 2023104024.4
67
20.1
56
14.8
41
13.2
37
9.5
26
4.8
13
1.9
0
1.8
0
3.65.94.344.549.6
Trend 10–16 Jun 2023100824.9
69
19.4
54
15.3
43
13.5
37
8.9
25
4.3
12
2.2
0
1.9
0
3.85.85.544.349.9
6 June 2023The Denkov Government is sworn in
Gallup International 27 Apr–5 May 202380326.8
69
24.1
62
14.7
38
13.9
36
9.1
24
4.1
11
3.2
0
1.5
0
2.64.3 [lower-alpha 13] 2.750.949.1
2023 election 2 April 202326.5
69
24.6
64
14.2
37
13.8
36
8.9
23
4.1
11
3.1
0
2.2 [lower-alpha 14]
0
0.55 [lower-alpha 15]
0
2.61.951.148.9%
  1. Includes VMRO at 1%
  2. Includes Majesty at 1.7% and VMRO at 1.5%
  3. Includes VMRO at 1.5%
  4. Includes VMRO at 1.7% and CENTER at 1.1%
  5. Includes CENTER at 2.3%
  6. Includes VMRO at 1.3%
  7. Includes VMRO at 1.1%
  8. Includes VMRO at 1.5%, CENTER at 1.4% and Citizens Block at 0.7%
  9. Includes VMRO at 1.1%
  10. As the full data for this poll was not released, it is possible that it includes undecided and uncertain voters. Recalculating the data to only include the numbers for the listed parties may be advised. Market Links often include undecided voters in their final results
  11. ITN are given seats in the Assembly despite being seemingly below the threshold as None of the above votes do not count towards the threshold.
  12. Justice for Bulgaria with 1.0%, "Other" with 1.0%
  13. This poll reported the percentage respondents do not support any party, however the rest of the data was recalculated to exclude these percentages
  14. ISBG, contested the 2023 parliamentary elections with the Left! and went on to run with Solidary Bulgaria
  15. Result of NDSV and KOD, two members of the Blue Bulgaria coalition

Results

The results showed that no party attained a majority in the National Assembly, with GERB attaining a plurality of seats. Turnout was 33 percent, the lowest since the end of communist rule in 1989. [57] [68]

Bulgaria National Assembly 2024.svg
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
GERB–SDS 530,65823.9968−1
Movement for Rights and Freedoms 366,31016.5647+11
We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria 307,84913.9239−25
Revival 295,91513.3838+1
BSP for Bulgaria 151,5606.8519−4
There is Such a People 128,0075.7916+5
Greatness 99,8624.5213New
Morality, Unity, Honour  [ bg ]63,9922.890New
Blue Bulgaria  [ bg ]33,6131.520New
Solidary Bulgaria 31,4761.420New
Center 25,6641.160New
VMRO – Bulgarian National Movement 21,2720.9600
The Left! 15,1750.6900
Bulgarian Rise 12,3220.5600
Green Movement 9,3240.4200
People's Voice 6,5600.3000
We Are Coming 5,9390.270New
Party of the Greens  [ bg ]5,4940.2500
Direct Democracy  [ bg ]5,2070.2400
Unification 5,2060.240New
We the Citizens 4,6620.210New
Bulgarian Voice 3,3780.150New
Citizens Bloc 3,0030.140New
People's Party "Truth and Only the Truth"  [ bg ]2,4830.1100
Neutral Bulgaria 2,4620.1100
Coalition of the Rose  [ bg ]2,2060.100New
Society for a New Bulgaria  [ bg ]2,2490.1000
Bulgarian National Union – New Democracy 2,1280.1000
For a Great Bulgaria 1,8930.090New
Bulgarian Union for Direct Democracy  [ bg ]9460.0400
Bulgarian National Unification 9200.0400
None of the above63,9132.89
Total2,211,648100.002400
Valid votes2,211,64897.42
Invalid/blank votes58,4962.58
Total votes2,270,144100.00
Registered voters/turnout6,797,69833.40
Source: Central Electoral Commission

Aftermath

GERB–SDS leader Boyko Borisov thanked voters for the party's performance in the election. [68] Kiril Petkov conceded and announced PP–DB would form a constructive opposition to the government once it is formed. [69]

Both Korneliya Ninova, the leader of the BSP, and Hristo Ivanov, leader of DaB!, resigned following the results. [70]

The new elected 50th Parliament replaced the 49th Parliament, [71] when all elected members were sworn in on 19 June 2024. [72]

Coalition negotiations

The leader of the DPS, Delyan Peevski, called for discussions between all "Euro-Atlantic" parties. [70]

GERB said that they were seeking to form an "expert" government and dominate key ministries, including the office of Prime Minister. However, Borisov announced that he did not want the position. [73] [74] The BSP leadership suggested they could support an expert cabinet. [70]

The Bulgarian newspaper Dnevnik set out the following scenarios: [75]

CoalitionProjected seatsStatus in the National AssemblyNotes
GERB+DPS
68+47




Minority (115 of 240)
GERB+DPS+ITN
68+47+16




Majority (131 of 240)
GERB+BSP+ITN
68+19+16




Minority (103 of 240)All parties support an "expert cabinet"
Caretaker governmentN/AN/ANew elections in Autumn

The caretaker government in place ahead of the election, will continue as caretaker government after the election, until the point of time it can be replaced by a new government. As regulated by the Bulgarian Constitution, the first negotiation mandate to try form a new government will automatically be given to the largest elected party (GERB–SDS), and if this attempt fails the second negotiation mandate to try form a new government will then automatically be given to the second largest elected party (DPS). If no government can be formed within the first or the second mandate, then the Bulgarian President will give a third mandate to an elected parliamentary party at his discretion. If the third mandate also fails to form a government, then a caretaker government will be appointed by the President and new snap parliamentary elections shall be scheduled within two months after its inauguration. [76]

Government formation

On 17 June, GERB began the negotiations with other parties within the first negotiation mandate, inviting all to discussions over the following two days. [77] [78] The framework for the first negotiation mandate, was the GERB–SDS proposal to form an expert cabinet on their mandate; and with GERB–SDS representatives occupying the positions of prime minister (although not being their party leader Boyko Borisov), foreign minister, and defence minister. [79] PP–DB, BSP and VAZ refused to attend the negotiations, so there was only a meeting between GERB and DPS on the first day; [80] both parties suggested they would be ready to form a government in coalition. [81] On the second day, only ITN joined the talks, but only to declare they would neither back a government formed within the first nor the second negotiation mandate (led by GERB–SDS or DPS). [76] ITN clarified they would under no circumstances support the formation of a GERB-DPS government or a GERB-DPS-ITN government; meaning that ITN would only support the formation of a politically neutral expert cabinet within the third negotiation mandate (preferably backed by all parties), and hoped to be selected as the party in charge of the third negotiation mandate to form such a government. [82]

On 20 June, GERB, DPS and ITN all supported the GERB candidate for the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raya Nazaryan. One VAZ member also voted for her, but the rest of the party abstained. Borisov had declared that there would be new elections if she failed to be elected. [83] [84] [85]

There were also reports that 5 or 6 of the Velichie deputies could split off to support a GERB-DPS government, which could give it a narrow majority. [86]

On 24 June, President Rumen Radev started the consultations about the next steps in the government formation process, with all Parliamentary Groups was invited for meetings in the order of their elected size. [87] GERB–SDS, DPS, PP–DB were consulted on 24 June; VAZ and BSP were consulted on 25 June; while ITN and Velichie were consulted on 26 June. [88] PP–DB confirmed their initial stance, that they in no circumstances would be part of nor support a GERB/DPS government; but thought GERB/DPS now should be granted time by Radev to investigate if it was possible to form a government with other parliamentary parties under a first or second negotiation mandate - and in the event of formation of such a government then PP–DB would play the role of being a constructive opposition party. PP–DB remained silent on how they would position themselves in case a potential third negotiation mandate should be needed during the attempts to form a government, "because it would be wrong [speaking about a third mandate], considering that the first two mandates are still coming up" and as of now "everything possible should be done to fulfill the first or second mandate". [89]

On 1 July, President Radev formally asked GERB-SDS to form a minority government with former National Assembly speaker Rosen Zhelyazkov as prime-minister designate. [90] The minority government proposed by Zhelyazkov was largely composed of ministers from previous GERB governments, while also including several incumbent Caretaker Ministers. After the first mandate was received by Zhelyazkov, Boyko Borisov stated that if the government was approved without clear political support, it would only undertake urgent priority tasks before resigning. [91] On 3 July, the National Assembly voted 138-98 to reject the proposed government. [92]

Investiture
Rosen Zhelyazkov (GERB)
Ballot →3 July 2024
Required majority →120 of 240
Yes
98 / 240
No
138 / 240
Abstentions
2 / 240
Absentees
2 / 240
Result →No X mark.svg
Source: [93]

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