The US Election: The Game-Changer for Bulgaria’s Next Cabinet?

Political analysts are discussing the potential impact of the upcoming US presidential election on the negotiations for forming a government in Bulgaria. Speculations revolve around whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris will emerge victorious, with some commentators suggesting that Bulgaria's political parties, particularly GERB, may delay their coalition discussions until the outcome is known. However, experts argue that such views are exaggerated and potentially irresponsible.

Damiana Veleva from Radio Free Europe highlights the general sentiment among Bulgarian politicians who believe that government negotiations will be stalled until after the US election on November 5. The results could influence which parties GERB may consider as partners for governance. This narrative was prevalent on the night of October 27 when analysts discussed the importance of the U.S. election for Bulgaria's political landscape.

Critics, including former Bulgarian ambassador to the US Elena Poptodorova, express concern that this mindset halts necessary discussions and compromises the political process. She emphasizes that while the US elections are significant for foreign policy considerations, they should not dictate Bulgaria's internal political actions or be used to justify procrastination.

After the Bulgarian parliamentary elections, which confirmed GERB as the leading party with 69 deputies, Boyko Borissov, the party leader, stated that he excluded only "Revival" from coalition talks. Some analysts speculate that if Trump wins, GERB may feel less pressured to align with pro-Western parties, potentially opening the door for partnerships with pro-Kremlin factions like "Revival."

Despite this speculation, many experts assert that the outcomes in the US...