October 28, 2024 – Bulgaria’s center-right GERB party, led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, has emerged victorious in the country’s general election. With no single party gaining a clear majority, attention now shifts to complex coalition talks aimed at forming a stable government amid ongoing political fragmentation.
While GERB secured the most seats, the party fell short of the majority needed to govern alone. The fragmented outcome reflects the deep divisions within Bulgarian politics, with several smaller parties also gaining parliamentary representation. This makes coalition-building both necessary and challenging, as GERB must negotiate with ideologically diverse partners to secure power.
Talks are expected to focus on potential alliances with centrist and reform-oriented groups. Analysts suggest GERB might explore partnerships with the liberal “We Continue the Change” party or the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF). However, these negotiations will not be easy, given lingering mistrust and disagreements over corruption and economic reforms.
The outcome of these coalition talks is crucial for Bulgaria, which has faced repeated elections over the past few years due to political deadlock. The next government will need to address pressing issues, including economic reforms, inflation, and Bulgaria’s efforts to join the Schengen zone and adopt the euro.
If successful, this coalition will mark GERB’s return to power after a period of political instability. However, failure to form a government could plunge Bulgaria into further uncertainty, possibly triggering another round of elections.
Bulgaria now awaits the outcome of these negotiations, hoping for a resolution that will provide the country with long-term stability and a clear path forward.