Bulgaria: Political Developments and Data in 2023

European Journal of Political Research Political Data Yearbook, vol. 63, pp. 50–64

Abstract

Abstract In 2023, Bulgaria saw the first regular, politically accountable, Cabinet after two years of caretaker cabinets following early elections in April. The election saw Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria ( Grazhdani za evropeysko razvitie na Bulgaria , GERB) emerge as the plurality winner but without a clear majority, and a coalition government between GERB and We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB) materialized. Seen as an artificially cobbled-together creation, the Cabinet faced increasing opposition and two failed no-confidence votes. A constitutional amendment in late 2023 limited the president's power to appoint caretaker cabinets. Bulgaria remained divided on its stance toward Russia and nationalism, and political apathy rose, casting doubt on future stability.

Authors 1

1. Maria Spirova corresponding Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Email: [email protected]

   Leiden University , the Netherlands

   Leiden University the Netherlands