site.btaSurvey Shows Government's Eurozone Information Campaign Is Not Convincing Enough

A survey by the Sova Harris agency found that the Bulgarian society is not ready for the planned euro changeover in 2026 and clearly does not express support for this. The survey was carried out between June 9 and 11 through standardized telephone interviews with 1,000 Bulgarians aged 18 and over.

Results show that the negative attitudes currently prevail and people are divided 2:1 (62% vs 32.1%) in favour of postponing this important decision. About 6% cannot decide. 

Bulgarians who think that by abandoning the lev the country loses its identity are 60.1%, about twice as many as those who think that Bulgaria will gain identity once Bulgarian symbols appear on the European currency - 29.8%. Just over 10% are undecided. The  majority of older people and the less educated versus the active population and people with urban backgrounds are on both ends of the spectrum, the agency said.

On the issue of holding a referendum on the country's entry into the Eurozone on January 1, 2026, support is 64.5%. Against the referendum are 23.9% and 11.6% cannot decide. According to Sova Harris' analysis, forms of direct democracy have long been on the agenda and circumventing them brings negatives to those in power. 

According to 68.7%, a referendum on this issue should have been held at the beginning of the process. However, according to public opinion, the fact that it did not happen in the past, does not mean a referendum should not be held now.

The Bulgarian society is divided when it comes to the European path of Bulgaria. For 37.2% there is another path for development, for 38.4% there is no other path, and 24.2% could not decide. According to Sova Harris, Euro-Atlanticism is no longer unambiguous. In general, society is divided on the issue of Bulgaria's long-term direction. The European Union is no longer an indisputable model for development in the eyes of Bulgarians, and the idea of an alternative path is gaining legitimacy. This is a signal to politicians that the debate on the country's path forward is not over, it is just beginning, sociologists believe.

Protests in favour of holding a referendum on the country’s Eurozone entry from January 1, 2026, are approved by 53.3%, and another 10.8% express support under some conditions. 22.6% of the adult population oppose the protests and 13.3% do not have an opinion. This result sends a clear signal to the government that the public does not want a unilateral institutional decision on the Eurozone, Sova Harris said. 

The survey shows no significant changes in electoral attitudes compared to the last parliamentary elections. GERB-UDF continues to lead with 25.0% support. There is an upward trend in opposition political forces, as Vazrazhdane takes second place with 14.4%, a marginal lead over Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria - 13.9%. The Movement for Rights and Freedoms - New Beginning with 8.7% is fourth, the possibility of a hidden vote for the party from minority groups exists. BSP-United Left gets 7%, Democracy Rights and Freedoms - 5.9%, Morality, Unity, Honor (MECh) - 5.7%, Velichie - 5.2% and There Is Such a People - 4.5%. Nearly 10% say they will vote for other parties.