Bulgaria’s political gridlock prolongs election agony

Significance

The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), which was expected to be the kingmaker after becoming the second-largest party, has split after a feud erupted between founder Ahmed Dogan and co-chair Delyan Peevski. Far-right political newcomer Greatness entered parliament but disintegrated within weeks.

Impacts

• President Rumen Radev will benefit from the political crisis in Bulgaria.
• Prolonged turmoil in the DPS would force Ankara to rethink its relations with the party, which acts as a bridge between Turkey and Bulgaria.
• Sofia risks losing access to critical EU funds if reforms required by Brussels are held up.