Bulgaria flagPolitics & Government Guide

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Bulgaria

Bulgaria faces ongoing political instability with its seventh government in four years formed in January 2025 under Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov of GERB, following snap elections. The country adopted the euro in 2026 without a budget amid crisis, and the government resigned by December 2025, triggering new elections. President Rumen Radev remains head of state in the parliamentary republic.

Government Type

Parliamentary Republic

Legal System

Civil law system

Head of State

President Rumen Radev(since 2017)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov(GERB)since 2025

Legislature

Type:unicameral
Upper House:Upper House
Lower House:National Assembly (240 seats)

Major Political Parties

GERB-UDF(GERB-SDS)

Center-right

68 seats
We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria(PP-DB)

Center-left

39 seats
Revival(Vazrazhdane)

Far-right

38 seats
BSP for Bulgaria(BSP)

Left-wing

19 seats

Voting Rights

Bulgarian citizens have full voting rights. EU citizens can vote in European Parliament and local elections.

Recent Developments

  • New coalition government formed on January 16, 2025, led by GERB's Rosen Zhelyazkov after October 2024 elections
  • Bulgaria adopted the euro on January 1, 2026, amid political crisis and lack of budget
  • Zhelyazkov government resigned on December 11, 2025, leading to scheduled 2026 elections
  • Constitutional amendments in December 2024 limited presidential powers in forming caretaker governments
Voting Age18
SuffrageUniversal
Constitution1991
Provinces28