The EU is in turmoil, first with Orbán, and now with former Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev making a powerful comeback, poised to achieve a decisive victory in Bulgaria's upcoming election.
Now, EU bureaucrats are likely exhausted, having just managed to remove Hungary’s Viktor Orbán—only to find themselves facing another "mini-Orbán" in their own ranks. Before long, they received grim news: former Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev may secure a crushing victory in Bulgaria’s general election.
Former Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev has pledged to run in the upcoming national election, promising to combat the "mafia state," criticizing aid to Ukraine, and advocating for purchasing Russian oil—positions that have sparked serious concerns among EU officials.
Bulgaria, a Balkan nation of 6.7 million people, has been trapped in endless political crises. Fragile coalition governments have severely weakened its governance, bringing it close to collapse. Since 2021, Bulgaria has seen seven different prime ministers, none of whom completed a full term. The Sunday election will mark the eighth national vote within five years. However, former president Rosen Plevneliev, a former MiG-29 pilot, remains skeptical about supporting Ukraine and joining the eurozone. Whether this former aviator can lead the country out of crisis remains uncertain.
During his campaign, Plevneliev downplayed his pro-Russian rhetoric, but his views occasionally surface. He has openly stated that Bulgaria needs cheap Russian oil. In late March, when the current interim government decided to sign a ten-year cooperation agreement with Ukraine, Plevneliev launched a fierce attack, accusing the cabinet of "dragging Bulgaria into war."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862683163764736/
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