Public Opinion Poll Reveals Political Approval Ratings in Bulgaria

On Friday, the Myara Sociology Agency released the findings of a public opinion poll conducted between February 6 and 16 among 803 adult respondents. The survey assessed the approval ratings of state institutions, individual politicians, and political parties' chances of entering Parliament if elections were held now, CE Report quotes BTA

Institutional Ratings

The President remains the most approved institution with a 47.6% approval rating against 38.4% disapproval. The newly formed government holds a 26.8% approval rating, while 56.7% disapprove. Parliament fares worse, with only 11.2% approval and 76.7% disapproval.

Politicians' Ratings

Among individual politicians, President Rumen Radev leads with 46.7% approval. He is followed by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov (18.9%), GERB leader Boyko Borissov (15.9%), and National Assembly Chairperson Nataliya Kiselova (15.3%). Kiselova, who recently entered high-level politics, remains relatively unknown.

The poll indicates that disapproval ratings generally surpass approval ratings for most politicians. For instance, Bulgarian Socialist Party leader Atanas Zafirov has a 5.7% approval rating, while 60.8% disapprove of him. Similarly, Ahmed Dogan (6.7% approval, 86.1% disapproval) and Hristo Ivanov (6.1% approval, 77% disapproval) are more recognized than their respective parties, DRF and Yes Bulgaria!.

Disapproval remains high for Continue the Change co-leaders Kiril Petkov (8.9% approval, 84% disapproval) and Assen Vassilev (8.5% approval, 81.9% disapproval). Other notable figures include Kostadin Kostadinov of Vazrazhdane (9.2% approval, 76.5% disapproval) and Slavi Trifonov of There Is Such a People (8.7% approval, 76.9% disapproval).

According to Myara, these ratings reflect public sentiment rather than performance. Politicians engaged in daily political struggles often face lower approval, while those with long careers tend to see declining support.

Projected Election Results

If elections were held now, nine parties would enter Parliament. GERB-UDF leads with 26.5% support, followed by Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (13.9%), Vazrazhdane (13.5%), and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms - New Beginning (10.1%). Other parties expected to pass the threshold include DRF (7.0%), BSP (6.8%), There Is Such a People (6.4%), MECh (5.9%), and Velichie (4%).

Other parties collectively account for about 6% of the vote, while 3.1% of respondents would choose "none of the above."

Myara notes that the findings indicate no significant shifts since the October 2024 parliamentary elections, though evolving political events may still impact voter sentiment.