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Bulgarians Prefer Pro-European Party

May 31, 2008

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) is the most popular political party in the country, according to a poll by Alpha Research. 26.5 per cent of respondents would vote for GERB in the next general election, down 1.3 points since February.

The governing Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) is second with 17.3 per cent, followed by the Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) with 6.8 per cent, and Ataka (Attack) with 5.7 per cent. Support is lower for the United Democratic Forces (ODS), the National Movement Simeon II (NDSV), the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB), and the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (VMRO).

In June 2005, Bulgarian voters renewed the National Assembly. The Coalition for Bulgaria (KzB)—which included the BSP—secured 82 seats, followed by the NDSV with 53 lawmakers. In August, the two main parties, along with the DPS, agreed to set-up a coalition administration with Socialist leader Sergey Stanishev as prime minister.

Last year, Bulgaria officially joined the European Union (EU). In 2006, Sofia mayor Boyko Borissov assembled the centre-right, pro-European GERB. In October 2007, Borissov was re-elected by a wide margin. He has called for an early general ballot in Bulgaria.

On May 22, Borissov referred to DPS leader Ahmed Dogan as "the greatest politician in Bulgaria," but denied rumours that GERB would consider an alliance with the DPS.

The next general election is scheduled to take place in 2009.

Polling Data

What party would you support in a general election?

 

Apr. 2008

Feb. 2008

Jan. 2008

Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB)

26.5%

27.8%

24.8%

Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP)

17.3%

18.0%

20.0%

Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS)

6.8%

7.1%

6.9%

Ataka (Attack)

5.7%

6.1%

5.1%

United Democratic Forces (ODS)

3.0%

2.4%

2.2%

National Movement Simeon II (NDSV)

2.8%

2.0%

1.9%

Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB)

1.6%

1.1%

1.2%

Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (VMRO)

1.5%

1.0%

1.0%

Source: Alpha Research
Methodology: Interviews with 1,010 Bulgarian adults, conducted in April 2008. No margin of error was provided.