New York Times World News

In Bulgaria, a New Government Challenges an Old Puppet Master

By: Carlotta Gall

1 May 2026 at 12:11

Delyan Peevski was a focus of protests that led to Bulgarian elections. Can a new government shake his hold on power?

The Guardian World news

Hungary’s Magyar eyes swift political deal to unfreeze EU funds after Orbán years – as it happened

By: Jakub Krupa

20 April 2026 at 15:51

New Hungarian leader says he could sign a political agreement with the EU in mid-May

The commission also got asked about the Italian proposals for a “wild west-style bounties” that could be paid to Italian lawyers if they successfully convince their immigrant clients to return home.

Our Rome correspondent Angela Giuffrida reported on the controversial proposal over the weekend:

National Post Canada

Russia-aligned Radev wins in eighth Bulgarian election since 2021

By: Bloomberg News

19 April 2026 at 20:07

Former President Rumen Radev, who opposes sanctions against Russia and military aid for Ukraine, claimed an overwhelming victory in Bulgaria’s election and pledged to turn the page on years of political gridlock and corruption. Read More

The Guardian World news

Moscow-friendly Rumen Radev wins absolute majority in Bulgarian elections

By: Jon Henley Europe correspondent and Eden Maclachlan in Sofia

20 April 2026 at 13:48

Former president’s win could end years of weak coalition governments but critics say it may be bad for EU

Bulgaria’s Moscow-friendly former president has won an absolute majority in parliamentary elections that could bring the country political stability after years of short-lived coalitions, but leave it walking a tightrope on EU issues.

With all votes counted on Monday, the Progressive Bulgaria party of Rumen Radev, a former fighter pilot and air force chief, had 44.6% of the vote, giving it an estimated 131 of the 240 seats in the national assembly.

The Guardian World news

Young Bulgarians hold out for change in eighth election in five years

By: Eden Maclachlan in Sofia

18 April 2026 at 07:00

Voters broadly split along generational lines as pro-Russian former president leads in polls

Anna Bodakova’s days tend to be rather hectic at the moment. Hopping between meeting voters on the street, political debates and recording videos for social media, the 23-year-old is standing to become an MP in Bulgaria’s general election.

Last year she was among the many young Bulgarians who participated in countrywide mass protests over the government’s economic policies and perceived failure to tackle corruption. Those protests ultimately resulted in the resignation of the prime minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov, and his cabinet in December.

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