The Progressive Bulgaria coalition, led by former President Rumen Radev, secured 44.6 percent of the vote in Sunday's parliamentary elections, official results showed Monday.
The GERB‑UDF coalition-- Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria allied with the Union of Democratic Forces--came second with 13.3 percent, followed by the We Continue the Change‑Democratic Bulgaria (PP‑DB) coalition with 12.6 percent, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) with 7.1 percent, and the Revival party with 4.2 percent, according to the Central Election Commission.
Other parties and coalitions that took part in the elections failed to pass the four percent threshold required to enter the 240-seat parliament.
GERB leader Boyko Borisov emerged among the biggest losers, with his party trailing well behind Progressive Bulgaria.
"[The Progressive Party will bring] just more populism. How to say it, nobody said anything that could help people make realistic choices. It will still happen," said Borisov.
This marks Bulgaria's eighth parliamentary election in five years, following the resignation of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's government in December 2025 amid mass protests over its economic policies and the subsequent failure of parliament to form a new cabinet.
Radev's opponents accused him of holding pro-Russian views, allegations he has repeatedly rejected. His message to crack down on corruption clearly resonated with voters, delivering a decisive mandate that could reshape Bulgaria's domestic and foreign policy.
Addressing supporters and journalists outside his party headquarters in Sofia, Radev outlined his vision for Europe and security.
"Europe has fallen victim to its own ambition to be a moral leader in a world without rules. So what Europe needs right now is again critical thinking, pragmatic actions, and good results, especially building a new security architecture," said Radev.
Bulgaria's former President Radev secures decisive win in parliamentary election
