In 2020, public fury at alleged corruption among Bulgaria's political elite erupted into widespread protests,
Since then, the crisis has seen two inconclusive elections, various prominent officials mired in scandal, and a three-term prime minister, Boyko Borissov, forced from office. His almost 14-year reign came to an end in April 2021 when he failed to secure enough votes to form a government. A new poll was scheduled for July, which this time Borissov's GERB party lost outright.
But the ostensible winner, TV chat-show host Slavi Trifonov, could hardly claim a mandate either, gaining only 25 percent of votes cast in a multi-candidate race. After declaring his There is Such a People party had no intention of seeking a coalition with rivals, and they, in turn, signalled their determination to reject his proposed list of ministers, Trifonov was forced to withdraw from his attempts to form a government. Now, another election looks likely.
Originally published by Al Jazeera English here
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