Bulgaria Links Defense Modernization with Economic Stimulus
Bulgaria is moving forward with plans to modernize its armed forces
If elections were held at the beginning of October, seven political parties would secure seats in the Bulgarian parliament, according to an independent survey conducted by Gallup International Balkan. The data shows that GERB remains the leading political force with 25.7% of the votes, while "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria" (WCC-DB) is in a close race for second place at 16.6%, slightly ahead of "Revival" (Vazrazhdane) at 15.4%.
The survey involved a representative sample of 806 adult Bulgarians, collected through face-to-face interviews using tablets from September 28 to October 6. Sociologists noted that it remains challenging to determine definitive rankings for the second and third places, and unexpected developments could still arise as the campaign progresses.
The situation among traditional supporters of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) is less clear. The "Alliance for Rights and Freedoms" (DPS-Dogan) holds steady at 8.3%. In contrast, "DPS - New Beginning" (DPS-Peevski) has seen an upward trend, garnering 6.9% support after entering the campaign with lower initial numbers.
Meanwhile, the Bulgarian Socialist Party ("BSP - United Left") is polling at 7.1%, while "There Is Such a People" (TISP) has 6.3%. These parties are currently in a competitive grouping, but the ongoing campaign may lead to significant shifts in support, especially with the emergence of "DPS - New Beginning."
Other parties such as MECH and "Greatness" (Velichie) have reported lower levels of support, at 3.7% and 3.2% respectively, while "Blue Bulgaria" stands at 1.1%. The remaining parties have support below 1%.
Respondents indicated a 30.5% certainty of voting for the National Assembly, factoring in the uncertain nature of electoral lists and attitudes. This suggests an estimated two million votes, with 3.1% of voters expressing a preference for "I do not support anyone."
Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of "Revival", and Ivelin Mihaylov from "Greatness" both suggested that MP Delyan Peevski - who is under US "Magnitsky" sanctions - played a role in the recent arrest of Varna mayor Blagomir Kotsev
From the floor of the National Assembly, GERB MP Toma Bykov delivered a formal declaration on behalf of his parliamentary group, welcoming Bulgaria’s upcoming accession to the eurozone
Speaking from the rostrum of the National Assembly, “Revival” party leader Kostadin Kostadinov delivered a sharply critical speech in response to the European Parliament and the European Commission
Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev was detained by police late Tuesday night following actions connected to an investigation
A protest opposing Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone took place in central Sofia as the European Parliament was voting on the country’s accession to the single currency
Following Bulgaria’s successful vote for eurozone entry in both the European Parliament and the EU Council for Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN), leading politicians and statesmen promptly expressed their congratulations and reflections on this hist
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