Bulgaria’s government recently faced a parliamentary vote of no-confidence from a pro-Russia opposition party, Vazrazhdane, accusing it of failure in foreign policy. The motion was backed by two small nationalist groups and criticized the government’s pro-Western stance, support for Ukraine, and ongoing sanctions on Russia. However, the motion was ultimately defeated in the 240-seat parliament, with 150 votes against it and only 54 in favor. Analysts had predicted the outcome beforehand, noting that the majority of lawmakers in Bulgaria support the country’s pro-European orientation, as evidenced by its membership in the EU since 2007.
Political analyst Ilian Vassilev described the vote of no-confidence as a tool used by Vazrazhdane to amplify Russian narratives in what he referred to as a hybrid war against Bulgaria. This war allegedly consists of disinformation and subversive political tactics employed by Moscow. The centre-right party GERB, which leads the coalition government, condemned the motion as an attempt to derail Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro at the beginning of 2026, which would further solidify the country’s European integration. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, following the vote, stated that the defeat of the motion reaffirms Bulgaria’s European perspective and democratic development, reflecting the desires of the Bulgarian people.
The government’s pro-Western stance and support for Ukraine have been contentious issues, particularly for the pro-Russia opposition party and its backers. The ongoing sanctions on Moscow have also been criticized by these groups, leading to their decision to bring the vote of no-confidence against the government. Despite this opposition, the outcome of the vote demonstrated the continued support for Bulgaria’s pro-European orientation among the majority of lawmakers. Bulgaria’s membership in the EU since 2007 serves as a clear indication of the country’s commitment to European integration and alignment with Western values.
The defeat of the no-confidence motion has been celebrated by the government as a validation of Bulgaria’s European perspective and democratic development, as articulated by Prime Minister Zhelyazkov. The rejection of the motion reaffirms the country’s commitment to its pro-Western stance and support for Ukraine, while also signaling a continued willingness to uphold sanctions on Russia. Furthermore, the government’s goal of adopting the euro in 2026 remains on track, with GERB condemning the motion as a potential obstacle to this objective. Overall, the outcome of the vote highlights the resolve of Bulgaria’s lawmakers to maintain their pro-European orientation in the face of opposition from pro-Russia groups seeking to undermine the country’s Western alignment.
