Bulgaria Prepares for Seventh Election in Three Years Amid Political Stalemate

Bulgaria will hold its seventh parliamentary election in three years on October 27, as political parties fail to form a coalition government. President Rumen Radev announced the election and a caretaker government led by Dimitar Glavchev. The political crisis impacts Bulgaria's EU fund flow and eurozone integration.

Bulgaria is set to hold a snap parliamentary election on October 27, marking its seventh in just three years. President Rumen Radev made the announcement on Monday, following the failure of political parties to form a coalition government.

Radev stated that a caretaker government headed by Dimitar Glavchev would be installed on Tuesday to manage the country until the election. The political instability has been a persistent issue since anti-corruption protests in 2020 led to the fall of a coalition government.

GERB, the largest party in parliament, along with the reformist We Continue the Change (PP) and the ITN parliamentary group, failed to establish a stable coalition after an inconclusive election in June. The ongoing political deadlock is hindering Bulgaria's access to EU funds and its plans to join the euro and Schengen area.

(With inputs from agencies.)