Experts react: 2014 Bulgarian parliamentary elections

Bulgaria held parliamentary elections on 5 October following the resignation of the country’s government in July. We asked six experts in Bulgarian politics for their reactions to the result, which saw former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov’s Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) emerge with the largest share of seats in parliament. Dimitar Bechev: “Who’s the winner then? Arguably, the smaller parties“ Aneta Spendzharova: “The new government will need a thick skin to solve the country’s latest predicaments – and, perhaps, a hint of magic” Boyko Vassilev: “Bulgarian media have a problem – public awareness on this issue is crucial” James Dawson: “GERB finds itself in a very strong position internationally” Cristina Chiva: “Given the options, the real question is whether GERB can afford to keep the Movement for Rights and Freedoms out of government“ Dragomir Stoyanov: “The elections show the increasing alienation of citizens from the democratic political process”