site.btaVazrazhdane Leader Dismisses Speculation about "Romanian Scenario" in Bulgarian Elections

Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov said in Sliven on Monday that suggestions are being made in the public domain about a possible "Romanian scenario" in the upcoming Bulgarian elections, which, according to him, are intended to mobilize support for Rumen Radev and his Progressive Bulgaria.

Radev's newly formed coalition leads in public opinion polls.

Kostadinov said that polls have not shown the expected "strong wave" of support for Radev, who was president of Bulgaria until January 23. As a result, Kostadinov argued, a number of analysts have begun to talk about the possibility of support emerging in the final week of the campaign, in line with previous elections. There is talk of a potential risk of a "Romanian scenario" in which Radev's victory could be "stolen". "Everyone started speaking with one voice, which creates the feeling that they are following a pre-set script," he said, adding that such a scenario is unlikely, as Radev's foreign policy positions overlap with those of other major parties.

Kostadinov expressed doubt that voter turnout would be high and added that sociological forecasts point to a likely level of around 45%. Asked about possible further snap elections after the early ballot on April 19, Kostadinov said he does not expect such a development.

If Vazrazhdane is invited to coalition talks, the party would participate only on the basis of its own governing programme. Kostadinov noted that the party has developed a governing programme and a doctrine for national development which could serve as a basis for dialogue.