Bulgarian Socialists' support shows signs of free fall, according to a survey by pollsters Alfa Research.

Nevertheless, the left-winger retained their leading position ahead of this month's MEP vote in the country.

The latest survey shows that 15.5% would vote for the Socialists if elections were held now, compared to 17% in April and 20.1% a month earlier.

The policy failures of the cabinet, in which the Socialist hold the key portfolios, are the main reasons for their dwindling support.

The survey was carried out before Socialist Economy Minister Rumen Ovcharov became embroiled in an ongoing corruption scandal, which is unlikely to have influenced the figures.

In second place, the centre-right GERB party of Sofia mayor Boyko Borisov lost some of its momentum, dropping to 13.2% from 13.9% in the previous poll three weeks ago, but has actually narrowed the gap to the Socialists.

The ethnic Turk Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) ranks third with an estimated support of 6.7%, unchanged since the last poll.

Ultra-nationalist Ataka (Attack) party are fourth with 5.7%, up from 5.6%. Its supporters appear to be the least motivated, however, with a full third uncertain whether they will vote, Alfa Research said.

Ataka's main core of support are the disgruntled voters protesting against the political status quo in Bulgaria and are largely unconcerned with European affairs.

Centre-right Simeon II National Movement saw its support go up to 4.9% from 4.5%, while the Union of Democratic Forces is backed by 3.2%, versus 3.1% a month earlier.

The Democrats for Stronger Bulgaria party of tough-talking former PM Ivan Kostov can still hope to win at least one MEP seat, with support growing to 2.3% from 1.5% in April.

Bulgarians will head to polling stations on May 20 to choose the country's 18 MEPs, though only 33% of the 800 respondents in the Alfa Research survey said they intended to vote.

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