Poll: Half of Bulgarians say new government strengthens EU ties

More than half of Bulgarians believe the country’s new government is strengthening Bulgaria’s position within the European Union, according to a national survey by polling agency Market Links. The poll, conducted between May 16 and 27 among 1,008 adults and financed by bTV and Market Links, found that 56% of respondents viewed the government’s actions as reinforcing Bulgaria’s standing in the EU.

Although the cabinet does not include many prominent public figures associated with reformist policies, respondents said ministers appeared professionally competent. Much of that assessment was linked to PM Rumen Radev, who remains the country’s most trusted political leader. Radev enjoys 56% public trust, according to the survey. Former prime minister Boyko Borisov and politician Asen Vasilev followed with 13% approval each.

Confidence in parliament, dominated by Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria movement, rose to 19% from 6% in April, the survey showed. Three out of four Bulgarians said judicial reform and restoring fairness in the justice system should be among the government’s top priorities. Nearly the same share said they expected convictions in high-level corruption cases.

The survey also showed strong public resistance to increasing state borrowing. Only 11% agreed with the Finance Ministry’s argument that additional debt was unavoidable to cover public-sector wages and pensions, while 70% said new debt should be issued only after reducing state spending.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova