Vote-weary Bulgarians face a seventh general election in just over 3 years
Bulgarians will cast ballots on Sunday in the seventh general elections in just over three years as the country faces growing political instability that might further enhance the popularity of pro-Russian and far-right groups.Of the six elections since 2021, only two have produced an elected government, but both coalitions collapsed after trying to introduce reforms, take on graft, and reduce reliance on Russia.There was no clear winner in the latest vote, held in June, and the seven groups elected to the fragmented legislature were unable to put together a viable coalition. Observers suggest that the coming vote will...
Bulgarians vote with little hope of breaking a political deadlock
Bulgarians were voting Sunday in a seventh general election in just over three years with little hope that a stable government will be formed to stop the country’s further slide into political instability.Voter fatigue and disillusionment with politicians have created an environment where radical political voices, aided by Moscow’s widespread disinformation, are successfully undermining public support for the democratic process and boosting the popularity of pro-Russian and far-right groups.The never-ending election spiral has a serious impact on Bulgaria’s economy and its foreign policy. The country risks losing billions of euros in EU recovery funds due to lack of...
Majority of voters say American democracy is ‘currently under threat’: Poll
More than three-quarters of Americans say democracy is currently under threat, according to the latest New York Times/Siena College poll. Seventy-six percent of likely voters say democracy is “currently under threat,” while only 20 percent say it’s not under threat. Another four percent say they don’t know or refused to answer. Americans are divided, however,…
Cameroon after Paul Biya: poverty, uncertainty and a precarious succession battle
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya is 91 years old. He is Africa’s oldest head of state and only one has served longer: President Teodoro Obiang Nguema of neighbouring Equatorial Guinea, who is 82 years old. Biya has been Cameroon’s president since 1982. Prior to that, he was prime minister...