Bulgaria’s Ex-Premier Nears Return to Power in a Key Election for Europe
"The Socialists failed to convince people that they could be an agent of change." The election was held at a particularly challenging time for Bulgaria, a nation of 7.2 million
that has been a European Union member for 10 years and a NATO member for 13 years but still maintains close cultural ties with Russia in a balancing act of East and West.
By BORYANA DZHAMBAZOVAMARCH 26, 2017
SOFIA, Bulgaria — The former prime minister of Bulgaria verged on retaking power Sunday as his center-right party held a narrow lead in a contested election, a sign
that Bulgarians still see their future lying with the European Union.
While official results were not expected until Monday, it appeared
that the former leader, Boiko Borisov, would form a new government in Bulgaria, the European Union’s poorest member, probably in a coalition with an alliance of smaller right-wing nationalist parties.
Some voters saw Mr. Borisov as a stabilizing influence who would not alienate Russia, even though, as a supporter of Bulgaria’s membership in both the European Union
and NATO, his previous government backed sanctions against the Kremlin.
The election of President Trump, who has criticized the European Union
and NATO and expressed admiration of Mr. Putin — further emboldening the Russian leader — have made the challenge tougher.
The result appeared to be a disappointment for President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, who has sought to exploit divisions in the European
Union to strengthen Russia’s influence — particularly in a country like Bulgaria, which was one of the Soviet Union’s closest allies.
