Bulgaria’s Far-Right Party Makes Surprise Gains in Elections Amid Controversy over Founder’s Shady Past

Unexpected Success of Greatness Party

Despite his checkered past, Ivelin Mihailov, a Bulgarian businessman accused of running a Ponzi scheme, has led his pro-Russian, far-right party, Greatness, to significant gains in Bulgaria’s recent parliamentary elections. According to preliminary results, the party garnered around 5 percent of the vote, exceeding expectations and cementing its place as a major player in the country’s political landscape.

Mihailov’s Controversial Past

Mihailov’s history is marred by shady business dealings and allegations of corruption. His involvement in Historical Park, a theme park allegedly financed by funds from a pyramid scheme, has raised eyebrows. Authorities have also linked the site to an armed far-right militia.

Political Analysts React

The party’s unexpected success has been met with surprise and concern among political analysts and observers. “This is the surprise of the elections,” said Ognyan Minchev, a prominent political analyst.

Election Results

The June 9 poll was Bulgaria’s sixth snap parliamentary election in three years, triggered by the collapse of a coalition between the center-right GERB party and the pro-Western We Continue The Change (PP) party. Results showed GERB winning with nearly 25 percent, while six other parties cleared the four-percent hurdle to secure seats in parliament.

Greatness Party’s Ideology

Greatness’s founders, Mihailov and Nikolay Markov, a former lieutenant colonel in Bulgaria’s State Agency for National Security, have been accused of spreading false information and promoting anti-Western and pro-Kremlin views. The party has been described as populist, Euroskeptic, and pro-Russian, with a focus on protecting Bulgarian interests.

Concerns Over Mihailov’s Involvement

Mihailov’s involvement in the party has sparked concerns over his controversial past and ties to far-right groups. He has also been linked to protests against military aid to Ukraine and has promoted false claims about wind turbines being harmful to health.

Despite these controversies, Greatness has managed to attract a significant following, with its Facebook group, Free and Peaceful Bulgaria, boasting over 30,000 members. The party’s social media presence is highly active, often using inflammatory rhetoric and misinformation to spread its message.

Implications for Bulgarian Politics

The surprise success of Greatness in the elections has raised concerns about the growing influence of far-right ideologies in Bulgaria and across Europe. As the country navigates a complex political landscape, many are left wondering what the future holds for this controversial party.