The political framework of Bulgaria

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President: Iliana Iotova (since 23 January 2026)
Prime Minister: Andreï Giourov (since 19 February 2026)

Next Election Dates

Presidential: 2027
Parliamentary: April 2026

Main Political Parties

Bulgaria has a multi-party system, where no single party generally has a chance of gaining power alone. Thus political parties work with each other to form coalition governments. The major political parties are:

- Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB): centre-right, it receives most of its support from nationalists and socialists. Leading a coalition government with SDS
- Union of Democratic Forces (SDS): centre-right, conservative
- BSP – United Left (BSP): centre-left, socialist, draws its support from rural areas. Electoral alliance in Bulgaria led by the Bulgarian Socialist Party
- We Continue the Change (PP): centre, liberalism, pro-European, in an electoral coalition with DB
- Democratic Bulgaria (DB): centre-right, pro-European
- Revival: far-right, ultranationalist
- Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (APS): centre, split for DPS
- Movement for Rights & Freedoms (DPS): centrist, liberal, formed mainly by the Turkish ethnic minority
- Morality, Unity, Honour (MECh): anti-establishment and anti-corruption platform
- Velichie: far-right.

Executive Power

The President is the chief of state and is directly elected for a 5-year term, renewable once, as is the Vice President. The President is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and nominates the Prime Minister, who is elected by the National Assembly. The Prime Minister, as Chairman of the Council of Ministers, holds executive powers and is the head of government. The Prime Minister nominates the members of the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers is the principal body of the executive branch. If the National Assembly passes a vote of no confidence, the Council of Ministers must resign.

Legislative Power

Bulgaria has a unicameral parliament (called the National Assembly), consisting of 240 members who are elected for 4-year terms by proportional representation. A political party or coalition must obtain at least 4% of the vote in order to enter the National Assembly. The parliament is responsible for the enactment of laws, approval of the budget, scheduling of presidential elections, selection and dismissal of the Prime Minister and other ministers, declaration of war, deployment of troops outside of Bulgaria, and ratification of international treaties and agreements.

Indicator of Freedom of the Press

Evolution:

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