New Bulgarian government will face Turkish distrust

Significance

This has knock-on effects on the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) which, officially in opposition during Borisov’s three terms as prime minister, had carved out a comfortable and secure niche in an oligarchic setting dominated by his Citizens for Bulgaria’s European Development (GERB) party. Borisov also cultivated a successful but personalised and much-criticised relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Impacts

• The 2020 protests were directed as much against DPS as GERB, seen as equally toxic partners in corruption.
• The ‘Turkish factor’ in Bulgarian politics and relations with Turkey may once again become live issues in domestic debates.
• The new government may find it difficult to confront DPS and GERB amid frosty relations with Erdogan’s Turkey.
• Volatile ethnic issues and difficulties with Turkey would benefit the far-right, notably the Revival party, now in parliament.