Bulgaria Holds 8th Parliamentary Election in 5 Years, Pro-Russian Former President Leading in Polls
Bulgaria is holding its 8th parliamentary election in 5 years. Pro-Russian former President Rumen Radev, who opposes aiding Ukraine, is leading the polls with promises to end corruption and political instability.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 19, 2026 at 21:07
- 🔍 Collected: April 19, 2026 at 21:31 (24 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 21:56 (24 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA, Sofia, 19th - Comprehensive Foreign Dispatch) Bulgaria today held its 8th parliamentary election within 5 years. In this election, pro-Russian former President Rumen Radev has a clear lead in the polls, having promised to root out corruption and end the unstable cycle of short-lived government turnovers.
According to a Reuters report, Radev, a former fighter pilot, is skeptical of the European Union and opposes military aid to Ukraine against Russia.
This election comes after mass protests last December forced the previous government to step down. Radev resigned from his presidency in January this year to run for office.
Through social media campaigns, strong financial backing, and appeals for political stability, Radev has gained increasing support in the Balkan nation of approximately 6.5 million people. Local voters are exhausted by the frequent elections and what is widely perceived as a small group of corrupt political veterans.
After casting his vote in the capital, Sofia, Radev stated that the people of the country need a "path to a democratic, modern, European Bulgaria," adding his hope to "develop pragmatic relations with Russia based on mutual respect and equal treatment."
Polling stations will close at 8 PM (17:00 GMT), after which exit polls are expected. Preliminary vote-counting results could be announced later today or tomorrow. (Translated by: Yang Chao-yen) 1150419
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(CNA, Sofia, 19th - Comprehensive Foreign Dispatch) Bulgaria today held its 8th parliamentary election within 5 years. In this election, pro-Russian former President Rumen Radev has a clear lead in the polls, having promised to root out corruption and end the unstable cycle of short-lived government turnovers.
According to a Reuters report, Radev, a former fighter pilot, is skeptical of the European Union and opposes military aid to Ukraine against Russia.
This election comes after mass protests last December forced the previous government to step down. Radev resigned from his presidency in January this year to run for office.
Through social media campaigns, strong financial backing, and appeals for political stability, Radev has gained increasing support in the Balkan nation of approximately 6.5 million people. Local voters are exhausted by the frequent elections and what is widely perceived as a small group of corrupt political veterans.
After casting his vote in the capital, Sofia, Radev stated that the people of the country need a "path to a democratic, modern, European Bulgaria," adding his hope to "develop pragmatic relations with Russia based on mutual respect and equal treatment."
Polling stations will close at 8 PM (17:00 GMT), after which exit polls are expected. Preliminary vote-counting results could be announced later today or tomorrow. (Translated by: Yang Chao-yen) 1150419
Choose to stand with facts. Every sponsorship from you is the power to protect freedom of the press.
Download the CNA 'First Hand News' APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
Texts, pictures, and audio-visuals on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.