Protests erupted across Bulgaria as citizens rallied against alleged electoral fraud following a controversial ruling by the Constitutional Court. The court disqualified the election of 17 members of parliament, igniting public outrage and calls for accountability amid claims of a cover-up.
Key Takeaways
- Thousands protested in Sofia and other cities against alleged election fraud.
- The Constitutional Court ruled that 17 MPs were elected illegitimately due to voting irregularities.
- The ruling has weakened the ruling coalition, leaving it with a slim majority in parliament.
- Allegations of a cover-up by the Sofia Prosecution have fueled public distrust.
Background of the Protests
On March 12, 2025, thousands of Bulgarians gathered in front of the Palace of Justice in Sofia, demanding justice and transparency in the electoral process. The protests were organized by the activist group Justice for All, which accused the Central Election Committee and the prosecution of colluding to obstruct a recount of the votes from the October 2024 general election.
The unrest was sparked by a ruling from the Constitutional Court, which found that 17 MPs from various parties were elected under questionable circumstances. The court’s decision followed a four-month investigation into allegations of electoral fraud, including unregulated changes in polling staff and the mishandling of ballots.
Court Ruling and Its Implications
The Constitutional Court’s ruling on March 13 disqualified the election of 17 MPs, which included members from the ruling GERB party and its coalition partners. This decision has significant implications for the current government, which has seen its majority in the 240-member parliament shrink from 126 to 121 seats.
- Affected Parties: The ruling impacts several parties, including GERB, the Bulgarian Socialist Party, and the nationalist Thereโs Such a People.
- New Entrant: The nationalist Greatness party, which narrowly missed the 4% threshold in the previous election, is now expected to enter parliament, further complicating the political landscape.
Allegations of Cover-Up
The protests intensified after Pavlina Panova, chair of the Constitutional Court, accused the Sofia Prosecution of sabotaging the investigation. She claimed that the prosecution had obtained evidence without the court’s knowledge, raising concerns about the integrity of the judicial process.
Public sentiment has turned against the ruling coalition, with nearly 60% of Bulgarians viewing the election as unfair. The protests reflect a growing frustration with the political establishment and a demand for accountability in the face of alleged corruption.
Future of the Coalition Government
The current coalition government, led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov’s GERB party, is now facing a precarious situation. With a reduced majority, the coalition’s ability to govern effectively is in question, and the potential for further political instability looms.
- Potential Outcomes: Observers warn that the ongoing political crisis could lead to another early election, which may jeopardize Bulgaria’s aspirations to join the eurozone.
- Opposition Dynamics: The entry of the Greatness party into parliament could shift the balance of power, as it aligns with nationalist and pro-Russian sentiments.
As protests continue and the political landscape evolves, the future of Bulgaria’s government remains uncertain, with citizens demanding transparency and reform in the electoral process.
Sources
- Bulgaria’s Constitutional Court Disqualifies Election of 17 MPs, Balkan Insight.
- Bulgariaโs ruling coalition loses majority after vote recount, bne IntelliNews.
- Bulgarian Governmentโs Majority Is Razor-Thin After Vote Recount, Bloomberg.com.
- Bulgarians Protest Over Alleged Election Fraud and Cover-Up, Balkan Insight.
- Bulgaria’s ruling coalition is left with a slim majority after vote recount, WRAL.com.
