Exit polls show pro-Russian former Bulgarian president could convincingly win elections

(Patria) - Pro-Russian former president Rumen Radev has won a convincing victory in the Bulgarian elections, exit polls showed on Sunday, Reuters reported late last night.

Radev, a Eurosceptic and former fighter jet pilot who opposes military support for Ukraine's war effort against Moscow, stepped down as president in January to run in parliamentary elections, which come after mass protests forced the previous government to resign in December.

He rode a wave of frustration with political instability in the Balkan country of 6.5 million, which has had eight elections in five years and where voters are tired of corruption and the veteran parties that have dominated politics for decades.

The latest exit poll by Sofia-based agency Alpha Research showed Radev's We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB) with 38.1%, more than double the second-placed GERB party, led by former prime minister Boyko Borissov, with 15.9% of the vote.

Exact percentages in other exit polls varied, but they still showed a strong victory for Radev. If confirmed, the outcome would mark one of the strongest results for a single party in years.
"We will do everything possible to not be allowed to go (to elections) again. It is ruinous for Bulgaria," Radev told reporters after the exit poll results were released.
He said he would be ready to cooperate with the pro-European reformist coalition We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB), which came third in the exit polls, on judicial reform, but said a minority government was also an option in the 240-seat parliament.

"We are ready to consider various options so that Bulgaria can have a regular and stable government."

Final election results are expected on Monday. During the campaign, Radev spoke about improving relations with Moscow and continuing the free flow of Russian oil and gas into Europe. It is unclear how much this will affect the foreign policy of Bulgaria, a NATO and European Union member that joined the eurozone in January - a move Radev had criticized.