16221 | 14 Oct. 2025 | 14:57

The elections in Pazardzhik showed the exceptional weakness of political parties, as there was only 35% participation. Such low turnout in local elections demonstrates a punitive action taken by voters, commented political psychologist

 It is evident that GERB is being absorbed by MRF-New Beginning. It has been observed for some time that a significant portion of GERB members are going to Delian Peevski, with the motive that they have opportunities there because they are close to the person who has power and can help them realize their ideas and policies for the regions, i.e. they are looking for someone who is effective.

 This was stated by political psychologist Prof. Antoaneta Hristova in a comment on the results of the municipal council elections in Pazardzhik and the ranking of parties that are part of the ruling coalition at the national level - GERB is sixth, BSP is fourth, and TISP did not make it into the local Municipal council.

 "The politician who is at the second or third level in his party wonders if his leader can provide effectiveness. GERB used to guarantee that for them." But GERB is already going down as a power, as support, as a force that inspires leader Boyko Borisov. It is visible that MRF-NB is swallowing GERB. And from these elections it is visible - GERB cannot take only 6% there." According to Professor Hristova, the success of MRF-New Beginning in the Pazardzhik elections is due to:

 "The inability of other political parties to motivate voters to come out and vote and the good financial state of its leader, Delyan Peevski. ... He has helped with money in sports and many other things, in the good sense of the word he has given money. But from the point of view of the electoral process, from the point of view of the way the games are played in parliament, it is somewhat undemocratic and demoralizes the democratic process."

 According to her, a similar algorithm for winning elections can work in other cities, especially smaller ones:

 "It may not happen in Sofia and Varna, but it can happen in Plovdiv... the state is not only made up of big cities."

 "For the MRF-NB, these are their first elections. And we saw a very serious moral disqualification through the videos released by observers. These videos further ruin the authority of political parties. Not only of the MRF-NB, but of the little group currently in parliament - both in power and in opposition," she also commented.

 Buying votes has always been present, emphasized Prof. Hristova, adding:

 "Before, it was more hidden. There has been an escalation in the visibility of audacity. This is due to the insecurity of political parties - everyone is trying to guarantee themselves." Political psychologist Prof. Antoaneta Hristova pointed out that "breaking" the coalition between CC and DB is impossible:

 "They exist, they feed off each other - one towards the other. Their strong role as opposition, which they have taken on, gives them the power to be perceived as the true opposition to the ruling party at the moment." According to her, the results of the elections in Pazardzhik can be seen as a litmus test for the electoral attitudes on a national scale, but not as a litmus test for the strength of individual political parties, as there is a "narrowing down" of the number of people who want to vote:

 "The elections in Pazardzhik showed the exceptional weakness of the political parties, as there was only 35% turnout. In local elections, such low turnout shows punitive action taken by voters in Pazardzhik and the Pazardzhik region. This means that none of the parties has gained trust or convinced that they have the capacity and leaders who can make independent decisions. As a result, they have not motivated or given meaning to the trip to the polls. According to her, buying votes will be a common occurrence during elections until a new political leader emerges to create a wave of change.

 "The political leaders in parliament are very worried about the expected appearance of a political project by President Rumen Radev. This expectation, which is reflected in surveys, is understandable because there are no new faces appearing. Not to mention whether new political formations will be allowed to emerge, because they are not allowed to when they pose a threat - the media does not allow it, finances are limited, and barriers are placed on sponsors. If such a new leader appears, money will be found for him and he will be allowed in the media, which could cause a wave."

 Source: Bulgarian National Radio (BNR)