site.btaCC-DB Warns of Pro-Russian Campaign to Influence Bulgaria's Presidential Elections in 2026

Atanas Atanassov MP of Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) said in Parliament on Friday that a pro-Russian campaign was under way to influence Bulgaria's presidential elections in 2026 and possible early parliamentary elections. The ultimate goal is to install a dependent, puppet government and a pro-Russian president, he said.

Bulgaria is one of the main targets of Russian intelligence services due to its upcoming accession to the eurozone on January 1 and the presidential elections in late 2026. The aim is to strengthen anti-European sentiment in Bulgaria, undermine support for Ukraine, directly interfere in political processes, provoke destabilization, discredit and weaken democratic institutions, deepen social divisions, and gain the favour of large social groups based on historical sentiment, family ties or anti-European rhetoric, said Atanassov. The intended outcome is to change the country's foreign policy and alter public attitudes and perceptions through psychological operations, propaganda and disinformation, he said.

Pro-Russian political projects, media outlets, NGOs promoting friendship with Russia, the network of the Russian Orthodox Church, paramilitary groups, football hooligans, motorcycle clubs and others have been funded and activated, the MP said.

Similar campaigns have been carried out in all EU and NATO Member States, Atanassov said, citing examples, including the elections in Moldova. The pro-Russian opposition in Moldova, supported by Russia, attempted to derail the country's path towards the EU through paid protests, disinformation and vote-buying, he added.

"The big question is whether we have the institutional capacity, as in Moldova, to counteract these efforts. At this moment, my answer and my concern is that we don't," the MP said. He urged the government to act resolutely and firmly resist all hostile attempts by foreign powers, primarily the Russian Federation, to destabilize and interfere in Bulgaria's political life. He said supporting professionals and independent candidates for leadership positions in the intelligence and security services would be one way to counter such attempts. "At present, we do not see such capacity, and this is a cause for concern," Atanassov stated.