Bulgaria, (SE Europe), is having parliamentary elections on 9th June 2024, which also happens to coincide with the European parliament elections. Citizens in Bulgaria will choose who will be in the National Assembly, which is a parliament and legislative body that is responsible for the laws, wars, and economic budget decisions that happen in the country. Let’s delve into the candidates and the current state of Bulgaria.
Current situation:
This is the 6th election Bulgarians have had to face in the past 3 years, due to various factors; ranging from the inability to gel a new government, despite multiple attempts, and the failure of the previous government. The previous government failed to maintain a parliamentary majority and lost a vote of no confidence; therefore, these snap elections have popped up. It is hoped by many Bulgarians that these elections will bring an end to the political instability in the country and for the country to move forwards, both economically and politically. Those main parties taking part in this snap election are listed below.
- GERB–SDS (Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria - Union of Democratic Forces) - Led by Boyko Borisov, this centre-right coalition is aiming to maintain its influence.
- PP–DB (We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria) - A liberal centrist coalition, with leaders Kiril Petkov, Asen Vasilev, Hristo Ivanov, and Atanas Atanasov, focusing on anti-corruption and judicial reform.
- Revival (Vazrazhdane) - An ultranationalist party led by Kostadin Kostadinov, known for its strong nationalist stance.
- DPS (Movement for Rights and Freedoms) - Representing mainly Turkish and other minority interests, led by Delyan Peevski and Dzhevdet Chakarov.
- BSP (Bulgarian Socialist Party) - A centre-left party led by Korneliya Ninova, focusing on social justice and economic equality.
Opinion polls
According to a poll by the Market Links agency, results were released on April 12th 2024, these are the current opinion polls.
1. GERB-UDF (led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov): 25.5%
2. We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (WCC-DB): 17.1%
3. Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS): 11.8%
4. Vuzrazhdane (a pro-Kremlin party): 10.3%
5. Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP): 10.3%
Economy:
The Bulgarian economy is based on a free market and considered developed, despite being communist in the past. Its private sector is much bigger than its public sector, suggesting the $90 billion GDP in 2022 (according to analysts) may be almost 30% bigger. Despite that, that figure seems to be an indicator of a strong economy in that region. Tourism is also another factor which fuels demand for jobs and circulation of money in the Bulgarian economy. It is one of the cheapest places in Europe to go on holiday, and has a diverse landscape, from the mountains to the beaches and the black sea. Like Britain, Bulgaria is a top destination for students from across the globe primarily those focusing on Medicine and Dentistry, bringing in revenue and helping to prop up the Lev. At around 0.43 pounds gets you 1 Bulgarian Lev, which suggest a strong/protected currency, that is fuelled from tourism/foreign students.
So, despite many different governments and leaders, the economy seems to be stable, and in fact thriving.