The 3^rd EP election in Bulgaria took place last Sunday after its 2007 EU accession. The Bulgarians cast their ballot and sent to Strasbourg representatives of pro-European parties only, locking in the basement ultra-nationalist formations, such as Ataka. At the same time the Bulgarians sent their warning to the EU, with a turnout of barely 35 percent. A series of analysts say this percentage means disappointment, after the initial enthusiasm 8 years ago.

No matter the claims on the difference between national and EP polls, Bulgaria was not an exception from the other member-states. Yes, people voted with the idea to select their 17 MEPs, but with the clear intention to encourage or punish national parties for their national deeds. No matter the shades and excuses sought in the results, the Bulgarians punished the socialists and their Oresharski cabinet, formed in a coalition with the Movement for Rights and Freedoms and with the silent support of Ataka about a year ago. At the same time the conservative GERB party and its charismatic leader Boyko Borissov got their new chance. It was simply another loss for the socialists and another victory of GERB.

The vote took place on a background of latent political instability, economic standstill and a growing social discontent in Bulgaria. The government of Oresharski has failed to fight corruption, crime and the iniquity of monopolies in an effective manner so far, though it had promised to do it. That is how a heavy period has now occurred for socialist leader Sergey Stanishev. Lots of his supporters are pro-Russian and those people punished him by refusing to vote or did not vote for the Bulgarian Socialist Party due to its stance /and the governmental one/, supporting the sanctions against Russia. Besides that the BSP is now too far away from socialism, turning into a circle of interests with Stanishev being its spokesperson.

Right after the vote Stanishev thought the Bulgarians were naïve and explained in some childish manner that his party hadn’t actually lost the polls, since its 4 seats plus the 4 seats of its coalition partner – MRF actually meant 8 MEPs on the 6 of GERB. MRF’s Liutvi Mestan also supported that point at first, but later on he started to correct his statements and to look for new partners after the inevitable, in his words, early polls.

So, the clear victory of GERB and the failure of its main rival – the BSP at the EP election prompt a hot political summer. The will of GERB to return into power a.s.a.p. and the unwillingness of BSP and company to withdraw voluntarily will most likely cause tension over the forthcoming summer weeks and months not only in parliament, but also in the streets and squares, in the form of a new wave of anti-governmental protests. In the meantime one can hear already voices, coming from the BSP headquarters, saying a collective resignation of the party’s board and its head Sergey Stanishev was necessary. On the other hand tomorrow’s motion of no confidence of the government, initiated by GERB yet before the EP election due to the failure of the government with its energy policies most likely won’t overthrow the Oresharski cabinet. This political summer will be really hot in Bulgaria, the poorest EU member-state.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev