Rise Up and Democratic Bulgaria seek to unseat GERB
Many Bulgarians express optimism that anti-corruption candidates will win seats in Sunday's parliamentary elections. They also know that the country's political situation will take a long time to change.
The ruling party is facing challenges from anti-corruption coalitions
There is not much going on Vitosha Boulevard, Sofia's main commercial drag. There isn't even much sign in the nation's capital that parliamentary elections, the first since 2017, are scheduled for Sunday. However, a few members and supporters of the opposition Rise Up! Thugs Out! coalition have gathered, and they are livestreaming on Facebook. This movement emerged from months of protest against the government that began in summer 2020. Members seek to prevent Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, the leader of the center-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB), from winning a fourth term.