31140 | 12 March 2026 | 17:24

Peevski prepares for a serious battle. The higher the voter turnout, the more modest the victory of Radev will be, says the political scientist

If there is a government after the elections on April 19th, it will be short-lived and that is the best option, but there might also not be a government, predicts Prof. Alexander Marinov, political scientist, co-founder of the party "Bulgaria Can" and former chairman of the Strategic Council to President Rumen Radev.

According to him, it could turn out that the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) holds the key to the government, "because even if they enter the National Assembly, I hope Zarkov will manage to overcome the barrier, the formation of Radev and BSP will not have a majority of 121 seats": "Someone else is needed! Who will it be? The composition of the parliament will consist of 6 parties - 4 plus 2. The most likely scenario is for Radev's formation to seek partnership with CC-DB, as there is a similarity in the fight against corruption and oligarchy." But after the leader of the CC called Radev's position on Ukraine disgraceful, this will not ease the cooperation."

Prof. Marinov believes that whatever cooperation is achieved between Radev and the CC-DB, it will not be lasting, but rather temporary and tactical: "I am convinced that these elections will not lead to a lasting and fundamental solution to the crisis in the Bulgarian political system. There will be new elections - parliamentary elections, this year. It is impossible to form a sustainable majority with similar principles and long-term goals with the probable composition of the parliament. There may be a new coalition, but its fate will be like the previous ones. High expectations and hopes are directed towards Radev. What is forgiven to others, because it is natural for them, will not be forgiven to Radev."

According to Prof. Marinov will no longer be brief as the deadline for registration of lists approaches on Tuesday and his new party must announce its program and election platform.

Rumen Radev also needs to take a stance on issues he hasn't addressed as a president - "we know nothing about the party's socio-economic platform": "As valuable as a political leader may be, there are other important things, what does this party offer?"

Prof. Marinov predicts a higher voter turnout on April 19th and warns: "The higher the voter turnout, the more humble Rumen Radev's victory will be." That's why the lists are important, because they will show us the potential of the new formation, whether people are capable of leading a political fight." The political scientist commented that he would be surprised if there are no compromising materials in the pre-election campaign. He predicts that GERB will rely on their leader's astonishing ability to survive, as they have strong positions in the localities. "We can see that GERB is not launching strong attacks against Radev and CC-DB, leaving all doors open for others to fight against Peevski," Professor Marinov believes.

He also warned that Delyan Peevski will not disappear from Bulgaria, nor will he flee or hide. "The organizational potential of his formation and its influence in a number of regions should not be underestimated. This formation is preparing for a serious battle. That's why I say there will be no clear outcome after the elections on April 19th. There will not be a radical change, which is necessary for society," argues his thesis Professor Alexander Marinov.