By Micah Jonah, February 18, 2026
Bulgaria will hold a snap parliamentary election on April 19, President Iliana Iotova announced on Wednesday.
Last week, Iotova appointed Andrey Gyurov to lead a caretaker government responsible for organizing the upcoming vote. This will be Bulgaria’s eighth parliamentary election in just five years, highlighting the ongoing political instability in the EU and NATO member state.
The previous government collapsed following weeks of street protests over its economic policies and perceived inability to tackle corruption. President Iotova confirmed she would issue a decree formalizing the election date after meeting Gyurov, who presented his caretaker cabinet members.
Bulgaria, which joined the eurozone on January 1, has struggled with fragmented parliaments, making it difficult for parties to form stable coalitions. Analysts note that the repeated elections underscore the country’s continuing governance challenges and economic pressures.
The April 19 vote will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers, given its potential impact on Bulgaria’s political stability and its role in European and transatlantic affairs.
