Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Former US ambassador James Pardew: Bulgaria has passed the point of no return

James Pardew, Former US Ambassador to Bulgaria (2002-2005)
Photo: BGNES

In an article published in the Politico, former US ambassador to Bulgaria James Pardew writes that "Boyko Borissov, the populist leader of Bulgaria, is facing a popular revolt that will not go away". According to the author of the publication, Bulgaria and Borissov have passed the point of no return.

"It is high time that Europe makes it clear that it stands by the people of Bulgaria and their plea for real democracy, and takes concrete steps to help them achieve that goal," writes James Pardew, US ambassador to Bulgaria in the period 2002-2005. 

Pardew emphasizes that "Borissov created a system with many of the hallmarks of a one-party state. He has effectively destroyed the country’s political opposition through the widespread use of intimidation, local corruption and alleged vote-buying on a massive level in communities".  

The author also defines power in Bulgaria as a softer version of that of Vladimir Putin. "Borissov and his political apparatus can be characterized as “Putin-light,” employing the same tactics as the Russian strongman but in a slightly less heavy-handed manner. Although Borissov likes to present himself as a populist, his methods are authoritarian", Pardew argues.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The new Bulgarian government - an end to the political chaos or a lull?

Bulgaria has emerged from a long political slumber – 81 days after the sixth early parliamentary elections, the National Assembly elected the country's 105th government. A total of 125 MPs supported the coalition cabinet, formed through an agreement..

published on 1/20/25 2:26 PM

The parties outline their priorities in the new parliamentary session

The new plenary session of the 51 st National Assembly began with declarations about the priorities of the political parties. For GERB-SDS, the main task is the formation of a regular government and a stable ruling majority, MP Toma Bikov said. He..

published on 1/8/25 1:16 PM

GERB-SDS terminates the negotiations for the formation of a regular government

GERB-SDS terminates the negotiations for the formation of a regular government due to the refusal of Democratic Bulgaria to support a GERB candidate for prime minister, said GERB. ''No agreement was reached with Democratic Bulgaria on the..

published on 1/6/25 9:08 AM