Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Bulgaria's GERB-SDS rejects government formation, election likely
Bulgaria's biggest political party, GERB-SDS, was asked by the president to form a new government.
But they said no because they don't have enough support in parliament.
This makes it likely that Bulgaria will have another early election, which would be the eighth one in just four years.
The country recently joined the euro zone, but it needs stable politics to improve its infrastructure and fight corruption.
The current government resigned after protests against corruption and new taxes.
Bulgaria's largest party, GERB-SDS, declined the president's request to form a new government.
The rejection increases the likelihood of a snap election, the eighth in four years.
President Rumen Radev will now offer the mandate to the second-largest party, PP-DB, which is also likely to refuse.
Bulgaria joined the euro zone on January 1, 2025, despite political uncertainty.
The country needs political stability to improve infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and combat corruption.
- Who
- Bulgaria's centre-right GERB-SDS party and President Rumen Radev
- What
- GERB-SDS rejected the mandate to form a new government, increasing the likelihood of a snap election
- When
- January 12, 2025
- Where
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Why
- GERB-SDS lacks enough support in parliament to build a stable majority, leading to political instability
- Party
- GERB-SDS
- President
- Rumen Radev
- Prime Minister
- Rosen Zhelyazkov
- Current Status
- Government formation rejected, snap election likely
- EU Membership
- Joined euro zone on January 1, 2025
- Election History
- Eighth election in four years if snap election occurs