Conservative leader pulls ahead in Bulgarian presidential ballot
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A centre-right candidate won the first round last night of a Bulgarian presidential election dominated by national problems of unemployment, chronic corruption and opposition to ethnic minorities.
Rosen Plevneliev, the ruling conservative GERB party's candidate, was set to oust a Socialist incumbent, Georgi Parvanov after the first round, following a campaign marred by protests and violence. A second round of voting is scheduled for 30 October. Mr Pleveneliev secured 40 per cent of the vote in the first round but needs more than 50 per cent to win outright.
Protests in major cities against Bulgaria's ethnic Roma minority and corruption have been widespread. Last week, a journalist's car was blown up.
Bulgaria rates as the European Union's poorest country. Although the job of President is largely ceremonial, Mr Pevneliev, left, has vowed to crack down on endemic problems of organised crime and corruption. He has also said he will improve transparency in the public sector.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments