Bulgarians vote with little hope of breaking a political deadlock
Bulgarians are voting in the seventh general elections in just over three years, with little hope that a stable government will be formed to stop the country’s growing political instability
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Bulgarians voted Sunday in a seventh general election in just over three years with little hope that a stable government will be formed to stop the country’s further slide into political instability.
Voter fatigue and disillusionment with politicians have created an environment where radical political voices, aided by Moscow’s widespread disinformation, are successfully undermining public support for the democratic process and boosting the popularity of pro-Russian and far-right groups.
The never-ending election spiral has a serious impact on Bulgaria’s economy and its foreign policy. The country risks losing billions of euros in EU recovery funds due to lack of reforms. Full integration into the open-border Schengen area and joining the eurozone are likely to be delayed further.
Pensioner Tsvetan Vladimirov said after casting his vote that changes are needed to put an end to widespread theft and corruption. “In order for the country to prosper, theft and corruption must be rooted out,” he said.
