Bulgaria has once again entered a phase of political uncertainty after the collapse of its government, deepening concerns over stability, governance, and reform. With coalition talks failing and parliament fragmented, the country now faces the familiar question: who will lead next, and for how long?
This latest breakdown highlights deeper structural problems that Bulgaria has struggled with for years, including fragile coalitions, ideological divides, and public frustration with political elites.
Who Will Be the Next PM of Bulgaria?
1. Goritsa Grancharova-Kozhareva — Acting Prime Minister (Interim)
Grancharova-Kozhareva is currently serving as the acting prime minister (caretaker head) after the Zhelyazkov government resigned. She remains a key figure in the transition and is likely to serve until a new cabinet is formed, or until snap elections are held and a new leader is chosen.
2. Boyko Borissov — GERB / SDS Leader
As leader of the largest party in the National Assembly, Boyko Borissov remains a central name in discussions. Though recent reports suggest GERB may refuse the first mandate to form a government, Borissov, a former prime minister, is still widely seen as a potential candidate if coalition talks shift or after new elections.
3. Leaders of Other Major Parties
If GERB cannot form a coalition or hand back its mandate, the next likely contenders for the prime minister role could come from other large political blocs:
- Assen Vassilev — Leader of We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB). His alliance has been a major pro-European and reformist bloc and may be considered if coalition partners agree.
- Kostadin Kostadinov — Leader of Revival, a nationalist party with substantial seats. He could be part of broader coalition negotiations even if not a sole candidate.
- Delyan Peevski — Leader of DPS – A New Beginning, a controversial figure whose support was previously crucial in keeping the Zhelyazkov government afloat; he could be part of future coalition discussions — though his involvement remains politically divisive.
4. Other Influential Party Figures
If coalition talks widen, other party leaders or senior figures could be floated as compromise candidates, including:
- Atanas Zafirov of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) could be proposed in cross-party talks to form a centrist or broader government.
- Other PP-DB leaders (e.g., Hristo Ivanov) or independent technocratic figures may be considered in efforts to break the parliamentary impasse.
5. Caretaker Government Candidates from the President’s List
Under Bulgaria’s process, if parliament fails to form a government after three tries, the president appoints a caretaker cabinet drawn from a list of acceptable experts. Recent reports suggest several possible candidates from this reserve:
- Silvia Kadreva — Deputy Chair of the Chamber of Audit with experience in anti-corruption oversight.
- Velislava Delcheva — Bulgaria’s ombudsman with legal and administrative experience.
- Maria Filipova — Deputy ombudsman with government experience.
President Rumen Radev will choose one of these figures to lead an interim government if no parliamentary majority emerges.
6. New Faces After Snap Elections
Given that a new parliamentary election is likely by early 2026, possibly Bulgaria’s eighth in four years, fresh leaders and new party figures could emerge as the country’s next prime minister. Public demand for anti-corruption reforms and political renewal means that candidates outside the traditional political elite may gain traction.
Who is the Acting PM of Bulgaria?
Until a permanent government is formed, Goritsa Grancharova-Kozhareva is serving as Bulgaria’s acting prime minister. She leads a caretaker administration tasked with keeping the state functioning, overseeing basic governance, and preparing for either coalition talks or fresh elections.
Caretaker governments in Bulgaria are not unusual. In fact, they have become a recurring feature of the country’s politics, reflecting the inability of elected lawmakers to produce durable coalitions.
Why Did the Bulgarian Government Collapse?
The government fell due to coalition breakdowns and loss of parliamentary support. Internal disagreements over reforms, power-sharing, and political accountability weakened the ruling arrangement until it became unsustainable.
A major trigger was the withdrawal of backing from key partners, leaving the cabinet without a majority in parliament. This exposed the fragile nature of Bulgaria’s coalition politics, where alliances often rest on short-term compromises rather than long-term consensus.
Why Coalition Politics Keeps Failing in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria’s parliament remains deeply fragmented. Parties differ sharply on corruption reform, relations with the EU, and the role of powerful political and business figures.
No single party has been able to secure a decisive mandate. As a result, governments rely on uneasy alliances that often collapse under pressure, leading to repeated elections and caretaker administrations.
What Role Does the President Play Now?
President Rumen Radev holds significant influence during the political deadlock. If parliament fails to form a government after constitutionally mandated attempts, the president appoints a caretaker cabinet and sets the stage for new elections.
This has made the presidency a stabilising — but also powerful — institution during periods of parliamentary paralysis.
Are Snap Elections Inevitable Again?
Many analysts believe fresh elections are increasingly likely. Bulgaria has already held multiple elections in the past few years, reflecting voter fatigue and political gridlock.
Another election could reshuffle parliamentary numbers, but there is no guarantee it will produce a clearer mandate or end the cycle of instability.
What This Means for Bulgaria’s Future?
The recurring collapse of governments raises serious questions about governance, investor confidence, and public trust in democratic institutions. While caretaker governments can manage day-to-day affairs, they cannot deliver major reforms.
Until Bulgaria finds a way to build stable, credible coalitions, political uncertainty is likely to remain the norm rather than the exception.
