Corruption allegations before Bulgarian elections

Bulgarians will elect a new parliament for the third time this year on Sunday. In the final days of the election campaign, photos of ex-prime minister Boyko Borisov's bedroom showing piles of of cash and a pistol on his bedside table have resurfaced. But despite this and other indications of corruption, Borissov's Gerb party is ahead in the polls with 23 percent. Will he lead the country once more?

Open/close all quotes
Deutsche Welle (BG) /

Nepotism keeping Borisov in the race

Even if the allegations of corruption have not been officially proven, the matter is clear as far as the Bulgarian service of Deutsche Welle is concerned:

“Insiders claim that 600,000 people in this country will vote for Borisov again, simply because they are directly and materially dependent on him and his party. In recent days some Western European media have again said that the country is corrupt, and reiterated the assumption that the long-time prime minister has had a hand in this corruption. This is how the situation is seen abroad. ... The 'duck test' should apply here: if something looks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's most likely a duck.”

Duma (BG) /

Be bold and vote against the ruling party

Even if he still wins a lot of votes, Borisov will no longer govern, Duma hopes:

“Gerb and Co know that their time is over. We're tired of someone filling their coffers with our money while we don't know how to pay for our medicine, our dinner and our bills. Gerb will probably be able to secure relatively good election results, but they'll no longer be the ones controlling the money supply. ... Don't be afraid and don't be intimidated by those who throw smoke bombs for fear of losing power. Go out and vote!”