56086 | 12 May 2026 | 17:39

"We continue with the change" and DB are loud and active, but after their separation they appear very small in parliament. "CC plus DB" needs victories. The first chance - for president of the republic

 The question of what opposition the Radev government and "Progressive Bulgaria" will face has emerged instantly after the results of the vote were announced. Because strong power needs strong opposition - a balance in democracies that is usually good for society.

 The start of the new government was undeniably respectful. The victory of PB is convincing and oppressive for political opponents. A victory like no other in nearly 30 years. 131 seats in parliament are comparable to the 137 MPs that ODS won in 1997 after a sharp political crisis, hyperinflation and mafia years that marked the entire Bulgarian transition for a long time.

 Crushing victories, in other words, are logical after catastrophes, emergencies or crisis developments for which political responsibility is taken. In 1997, the responsibility was taken by the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), which had 67 seats less - here is the ratio between the first and the second political force back then: United Democratic Forces (UDF) - 137, BSP - 58. The difference was significant. Later on, Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) arranged themselves with 19 seats, Bulgarian Business Bloc (BBB) - 14, and Bulgarian Left (BL) - 12 elected representatives.

 Now, the leading force has 131 seats, and the second one - GERB-UDF- has 39, or almost 100 seats less! The difference is giant. They are followed by MRF with 21, Democratic Bulgaria (DB) with 21, People's Party with 16, and "Renaissance" with 12 representatives. No matter how these data are read, it is undeniable that "Progressive Bulgaria" dominantly prevails over opposition parties with modest electoral influence.

 And this is not all. The five opposition parties cannot form a united opposition bloc ever. Never! Their coming together would be an act of self-destruction.

 The reason is simple: they will underline the foundation for their existence, which is encapsulated in two demands: fighting corruption and judicial reform, which should lead to the point where magistrates are only dependent on the law. Not on politicians, behind-the-scenes players, various notaries (with a capital "N"), or puppets. Any maneuvers that could lead to suspicion of "conspiracy" in an opposition format will be perceived by CC and DB voters as betrayal.

 In other words, whether CC and DB are "parties of an obsolete necessity", to use the words of Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov, depends on them themselves, not on foreign qualifications. Radev "pulled out" the victory right under their noses, which seemed secure for them after the protests in December 2025. Adding to the disappointment that strongly divided their supporters, CC and DB are in a new situation.

 Adapting to it has been met with varying degrees of success. While GERB and MRF seem super consensual, CC and DB are active, loud, jumping at every irregularity, mistake, gaffe, or provocation.

 From the segment of "change," the unraveling of the case with Deputy Minister Asya Pandgerova began, who, caught in a conflict of interest, resigned. The opposition's role in such cases is undoubtedly invaluable. The CC and DB were very critical of the proposed measures by the PB against inflation, with both political forces emphasizing that instead of leading to lower prices, they could push them up. The legislative ideas of the government will go through the entire procedure and we will see whether there will be corrections and accommodations to the objections, but everything indicates that they will pass. There will be no backlash - the PB has a majority, MRF expressed support, and GERB voted for them in committee. Contrary to expectations that "Progressive Bulgaria" and the CC and DB would be closer and form an alliance for judicial changes, while GERB and DPS would be sharp opposition, the opposite happened. GERB and DPS are in a form that we haven't seen them in for a long time, if ever - they are mild and constructive towards Radev and PB.

 While CC and DB have no other choice but to be prickly and attacking, with the cause being on the horizon - the presidential elections. This is their first chance to prove themselves under new conditions, being almost the only political force that can resist PB in the upcoming vote. GERB and MRF cannot and, it seems, do not want to. 

 " Revival " is an active opposition, but they are also the party that suffered the most from Radev's appearance. PB left them with a symbolic electorate and it will take time to find new topics, niches, and support.

 The big risk for CC and DB is to lose the measure of the opposition pathos, forgetting why Rumen Radev won convincingly on April 19 - because after five years of wandering and turbulence, Bulgarians demanded an end to the political mess by a stable government, not through "assemblies" and temporary solutions.

 So, in order to succeed in the autumn, CC and DB are obliged to find three things: balance, candidate and a convincing explanation why they parted ways, as they will play together again.   

 Yes, the opposition seems to be knocked down - both the silent and the noisy.  

 While "Progressive Bulgaria" plays on a broad field, where it can only stumble upon its own mistakes. Mistakes, which, however, started, fitting within the framework of 100 days of waiting and good-natured tolerance. At the same time, the countdown can be heard: one, two, three....Will the opposition unite and when?