Bulgaria`s delicate balance of power is being threatened by the political ambitions of King Simeon II, Nicholas Kralev wrote for Financial Times. Bulgaria`s exiled King Simeon II caught politicians on both left and right off guard and has formed a party called the National Movement for Simeon II, which, if the polls are to be trusted, is likely to win the June 17 general election. Polls show that more than 30% of the population would vote for Simeon`s movement. The UDF is on 20% and the opposition Socialist party commands 10%. There is growing concern among officials and observers that people are coming to view the king as a messiah who will end their hardships, and blindly believe his pledges, the article reads. The king hasn`t yet answered such questions as whether he would be PM if his party won the election and whether he intends to advocate restoration of the monarchy.
BG President Stoyanov is in a very delicate postion, Mr. Kralev writes. He faces presidential elections at the end of the year and must be careful not to criticise the king too strongly for fear of alienating a large number of voters. On the other hand, his aides say a UDF victory in this month`s election is the best guarantee that reforms and co-operation with the EU and NATO will continue.

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