Bulgaria's pro-Russian former president takes strong lead in election, exit polls show - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiwwFBVV95cUxQYnhfbXJ3UzFOc2twVGhYWUpiOXdLdVBEcXBhVlVxSlQwM29sV1drSGQ5bDV6UTQ0aUNBd0VZSUh4Z0czdHZLMnRUTVNOX1luUHM4VUFpVVJRUGtsbEZveVZjM19jSXk2VDk1dmo1SU4wQnBVNWNHSW0yaVp0aXp5MWdTRlRYOXQ4REpkR3JuaUJZWUlqTXQzN2VOaWUtTUlSVnVMSkhVWWhYdmxwSllrcUVwLW9WRjl1bDVxZDA2RmZ1cTQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Bulgaria's pro-Russian former president takes strong lead in election, exit polls show</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

Exit polls indicate that Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria coalition leads Bulgaria's parliamentary election with 37.5% of the vote, ahead of the GERB party at 16.2%. Radev, a pro-Russian former president, resigned earlier this year to run for prime minister, aiming to address corruption and political instability. Despite the lead, forming a majority government may require coalition partners.

Exit polls show Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria coalition leading Bulgaria's parliamentary election with approximately 37% of the vote, ahead of the GERB party at around 16%. Radev, a pro-Russian former president, resigned earlier this year to run for prime minister, aiming to address corruption and political instability. Despite the lead, forming a majority government may require coalition partners.

The Bulgarian legislative elections on April 19, 2026, focus on themes of corruption and relations with Russia. Former president Rumen Radev, who resigned to launch a campaign under a new party, Progressive Bulgaria, leads the polls with about 35%. Radev's campaign appeals to voters seeking stability after eight elections in five years, promising to address corruption and political instability. Despite his pro-Russian stance, he maintains support for Bulgaria's EU membership.

Rumen Radev, Bulgaria's pro-Russian former president, is leading in the parliamentary election, with exit polls suggesting his Progressive Bulgaria coalition secures about 35% of the vote. The election follows the December 2025 resignation of the previous government amid anti-corruption protests. Radev's campaign focuses on ending corruption and political instability, but forming a majority government may require coalition partners.