Bulgaria calls for new elections amid EU commissioner selection

Bulgaria is preparing for new elections at the end of October, marking the seventh parliamentary election in three years amid ongoing political instability. The interim prime minister, Dimitar Glavchev, is tasked with selecting candidates for the European commissioner position, a decision that has been delayed due to protracted negotiations to form a national government. Major political parties have proposed candidates, including Ekaterina Zaharieva from the GERB party and Julian Popov from the We Continue the Change party, each with distinct qualifications and political backgrounds. The urgency of naming a commissioner is underscored by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's request for nominations by the end of August. Bulgaria, along with Belgium and Italy, is one of the few EU countries yet to submit a name. The candidates proposed reflect a mix of political experience and expertise, with Zaharieva having served as foreign minister and Popov recognized for his environmental policy work. In the backdrop of these developments, a recent survey indicates a troubling trend among Bulgarian voters, with nearly one-third expressing a preference for authoritarian governance. This shift is attributed to the persistent political uncertainty and dissatisfaction with the current state of governance, which has led to significant financial expenditures on elections, totaling approximately €260 million over the past three years. As Bulgaria approaches the polls, the implications of these elections extend beyond national governance, potentially influencing the country's role within the EU and its alignment on critical issues such as energy policy, especially given France's unofficial support for Bulgaria's candidacy for the energy commissioner position.