Bulgaria's opposition fractures as two key parties split in parliament
Bulgaria’s opposition has officially split into two separate parliamentary groups after a period of joint campaigning. The move follows April’s snap elections, where Progressive Bulgaria emerged as the dominant force with nearly 45% of the vote. The newly elected parliament opened its first session on April 30th, 2023. We Continue the Change (WCC) and Democratic Bulgaria (DB) had campaigned together in the April 19th elections. Despite their alliance, tensions arose over differing political visions. DB had pushed for a full merger between the two parties, but the proposal failed.
WCC leader Assen Vassilev later explained that the split reflected their distinct political identities. The decision faced criticism, with WCC MEP Nikola Minchev calling it 'unserious'. Nonetheless, the separation was finalised as the new parliament convened.
In the 240-seat legislature, WCC will hold 16 seats, while DB secures 21. Progressive Bulgaria, meanwhile, cemented its position as the leading party, winning a parliamentary majority with 44.6% of the vote. The division leaves Bulgaria’s opposition fragmented as the new parliament begins its work. WCC and DB will now operate as independent groups, each with their own representation. Progressive Bulgaria remains the strongest political force in the country.
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