The ruling GERB party, marred in the past by corruption allegations but with a pro-European discourse, is embracing some ideas of pro-Russian extremists and seems ready to adapt to Washington's new policy.
As various capitals in Eastern Europe are gripped by demonstrations, reformists in Bulgaria – a country with a tradition of protests – seem apathetic following years of political logjam and the return of the “system” parties.
A far-right protest in Sofia against a XIX century play directed by John Malkovich brought to the spotlight the disinformation and propaganda campaign targeting Bulgaria’s culture and education.
Boyko Borissov’s GERB party expectedly topped the vote, but the elections left a bitter taste that political influence can be easily bought. They also underlined a worrying tendency for ethnicization of the vote.
After Bulgaria’s parliament approved a controversial ban against “LGBTQ+ propaganda” in schools, both pro-Russia and populist pro-EU parties are eying a Russian-styled “foreign agents” law.
Against the backdrop of voter fatigue, Bulgaria’s latest elections saw the rise of a new nationalist party, “Greatness”, while Boiko Borissov’s GERB maintained its ascending trend.
Former prime-minister Boyko Borissov’s GERB party is tipped to win Bulgaria’s split election. But amid an expected low voter turnout, pro-Russian parties are seeking a moment.
Chiar sub privirea UE și după ani de potențiale reforme, democrația Bulgariei devine tot mai mult una de fațadă, dominată de partidul lui Boiko Borissov și de „sistem”.
2023 marked Bulgaria's exit from political crisis with the formation of a pro-Western government. On the other hand, he continued pro-Russian narratives continued to be promoted.
Bulgaria is sobering for the fact that the uphill battle to become part of the Schengen Area is far from over and even out of the country’s immediate control of the events.
Bulgaria has been facing an uptick in pro-Russian disinformation, just as the country’s pro-Western government is questioning Moscow’s influence – and moves – in the country.
The alliance GERB/We continue the change showed its first cracks, as it’s being pressured by a hostile president, pro-Russian parties and the entry into politics of their main opponent.
The desire to overthrow GERB and Boyko Borissov wasn’t enough: There is Such a Nation, the new party that won Bulgaria’s latest elections, made another U-turn on Tuesday by revoking its ministerial nominations amid rising controversies.