OrganisationBG

Vazrazhdane

Bulgarian far-right ultranationalist party; pro-Russia, anti-EU, fourth-largest in parliament after October 2024 elections.

Last refreshed: 17 April 2026

Key Question

How much influence does Vazrazhdane's 37-MP bloc actually have over Bulgaria's EU and NATO policy?

Timeline for Vazrazhdane

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Common Questions

What does Vazrazhdane want for Bulgaria?: Vazrazhdane demands Bulgaria lift sanctions against Russia, stop supporting Ukraine, and hold a national referendum on NATO membership. It also supports banning LGBTQ+ content in public.
How many seats does Vazrazhdane have in the Bulgarian parliament?: After the October 2024 snap election, Vazrazhdane holds 37 seats in the National Assembly, placing it fourth with 13.7% of the vote.Source: Bulgarian Central Election Commission
Is Vazrazhdane pro-Russia?: Yes. Vazrazhdane calls for Bulgaria to lift sanctions against Russia and end all support for Ukraine. It is classified by analysts as ultranationalist and pro-Russian in its Foreign Policy positions.

Background

Vazrazhdane (Bulgarian: Възраждане, meaning "Revival") is a far-right, ultranationalist political party in Bulgaria founded in August 2014. It is characterised by analysts and Bulgarian civil society as pro-Russian, anti-EU, and anti-NATO. The party demands Bulgaria lift sanctions against Russia, halt military support for Ukraine, and hold a referendum on NATO membership. Its platform also includes strong opposition to LGBTQ+ rights legislation, having supported a ban on LGBTQ+ "propaganda" passed by the Bulgarian Parliament in 2024.

In the June 2024 Bulgarian parliamentary election, Vazrazhdane received approximately 14% of the vote. In the subsequent snap election on 27 October 2024, the party received 13.7% (295,915 votes), placing fourth and securing 37 MPs in the National Assembly — below pre-election polling that suggested it might become the second-largest party. Bulgaria's domestic political deadlock after multiple inconclusive elections created the conditions in which Vazrazhdane's anti-establishment, anti-EU platform gained traction.

Vazrazhdane is significant in the Lowdown coverage area because of its consistent obstruction of Bulgarian parliamentary consensus on Ukraine aid and EU policy. Sofia's political instability — seven elections since 2021 — has amplified the party's disproportionate influence as a veto actor in Coalition negotiations. Its messaging on Russian sanctions and NATO is broadly aligned with Hungary's Orbán government, making it a regional node in the European far-right network.

How the World Sees Them

Russia

Vazrazhdane's calls to lift sanctions and end Ukraine aid represent the most aligned bloc in the Bulgarian parliament; Moscow benefits from the party's obstructionist role without direct formal ties.

European Union

Monitors Vazrazhdane's growth as part of a broader eastern European far-right pattern; Bulgaria's NATO membership and EU funds create structural constraints on Vazrazhdane's agenda even if its vote share rises.

Ukrainian government

Vazrazhdane's opposition to Bulgarian military aid and its pro-Kremlin framing of the conflict are directly hostile; the party's presence complicates Bulgaria-Ukraine defence cooperation.

Bulgarian government and centre-right

Treats Vazrazhdane as an untouchable coalition partner; its pro-Russia stance makes formal inclusion in government politically radioactive for NATO-aligned parties.