EUPopLink Country Report-Bulgaria

The article examines the connections and intersections between populism and Euroscepticism in contemporary Bulgarian politics. The emphasis is mainly on the events of the last 10 years. The first part outlines the main ideological characteristics of these political actors who are both populists and Eurosceptics. Ataka, Vazrazhdane, Velichie and MECH are populist radical right (PRR). The BSP is a centre-left party; Progressive Bulgaria (PB)-the newly created project of former President R. Radev, and ITN, a centre-right party, are characterized by valence populism. The next section explores the positions on Europe and the populism Euroscepticism nexus. Ataka, Vazrazhdane and Velichie want Bulgaria out of the EU. MECH criticizes the corrupt officials in Brussels but does not stand for leaving. The BSP has blasted certain EU policies, such as the Green Deal, but is generally pro-European. Radev believes that Bulgaria should not have rushed into joining the Eurozone. He disagrees with the EU's policy towards Ukraine and is against the EU sanctions imposed on Russia. However, he does not want Bulgaria to part ways with the EU. The last part outlines the responses to Euroscepticism. The mainstream parties and formations which defend pro-European positions (e.g. GERB, PP-DB, etc.) as well as the soft Eurosceptics (Radev, the BSP, etc.) have adopted several strategies towards the PRR: adversarial, accommodating, cordon sanitaire and incorporation. Although Bulgarians are very pro-European, the party system is in a deep crisis: Bulgaria remains one of the most corrupt and poor countries in the EU. The country is headed towards new snap elections on April 19, 2026. PB is leading in the polls with over 10% ahead of GERB. Negative developments in the economy can boost the support for the hard Eurosceptics in the PRR. However, this is unlikely to happen in a short run.