Bulgarian centre-right GERB party, whose unofficial leader is popular Sofia mayor Boyko Borisov, kicked off its campaign for the European Parliament on Sunday with a rally and a concert in the capital.

The party, which was officially registered last year, faces its first electoral test, but enters the race second in the opinion polls, boosted by Borissov's strong public approval ratings.

Its hopes hinge on gathering the votes of centre-right moderates disgruntled by the last two years of Socialist rule.

Borissov discourse as the party kicked off its campaign fit the image of the champion of the right he has built.

"We have many enemies, because nobody wants to change the existing political status quo in Bulgaria," he said.

The latest polls show GERB enjoying the support of 13,9%, behind the Socialists with 17%, but analysts are wary to predict the outcome of the vote, due to the shrinking number of voters willing to cast their ballots.

Bulgaria joined the European Union in January and will vote on May 20 to pick 18 MEPs, replacing the current holders appointed by the Parliament.

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