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The German journalist Barbara Jortel, who knows Bulgaria well and regularly writes on topics related to the country, spoke in her commentary for the Tageszeitung (TAC) about a "political tragedy" and a "permanent crisis".

And on the occasion of the looming fifth parliamentary elections in just 2 years, she notes: "Given the current situation, the participants in them could probably spare themselves this new effort."

Strong disunity in society

The "Tagesschau" program of the social media network ARD considers Bulgaria's chances of getting out of the political crisis as very small.

Observers have been quoted as speaking of a "dead end".

According to them, even the new elections on April 2 will hardly lead to the creation of a clear majority in the parliament.

The reason for this, according to the media, is the strong disunity in Bulgarian society.

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The possibility of voting once more in the fall of 2023, when the local elections will also be held, is already being discussed.

"GERB dominates the municipalities and it can be assumed that a combination of municipal and parliamentary elections could return the party to power," the media noted.

Observers believe that the way out is for the reformers in the person of "We continue the change" (PP) and "Democratic Bulgaria" (DB) to join forces with the conservatives from GERB in order to overcome the crisis.

"The political blockade in which Bulgaria has been living for two years now leads to growing disillusionment with politics and a loss of trust on the part of voters.

In these conditions, the chances of the nationalist parties to increase their support are also great," commented the TAC in turn.

The role of President Radev in the political crisis

Due to the ongoing political crisis in the country, President Rumen Radev has become the face of Bulgaria, notes "Tageschau", specifying that the president has practically been ruling the country since May 2021. Although his reputation has dropped from 51% to only 36% in the last year , Radev still enjoys the greatest trust in Bulgaria, writes the German media.

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"Under the guise of the crisis, President Radev is slowly but surely expanding his power.

And this is the same man who had announced that his cause was to fight corruption.

How much success there is in this direction can be seen in the latest report of the Council of Europe, in which the Balkan state was given a devastating assessment", commented Barbara Yortel in her turn on the pages of TAC.

She also notes that Radev openly looks towards Moscow.

The German "Süddeutsche Zeitung" also pays attention to this aspect.

The daily does not fail to note some of Rumen Radev's pro-Russian statements, as well as the increased activity of Russian propaganda in Bulgaria in recent months.

The daily also writes about Radev's angry reaction to the publication in Die Welt, according to which Sofia and Kiril Petkov's government have indirectly supported Ukraine with ammunition and fuel more than was known.

Obstacles to Bulgaria's progress

All three German editions note another important thing - the political crisis in Bulgaria, which has been going on for two years now, is becoming an obstacle for many reforms that the country needs.

According to TAC and Süddeutsche Zeitung, under these circumstances, the planned introduction of the euro in 2024 may remain just an unfulfilled dream.

The same applies to the accession of Bulgaria to the Schengen area or the implementation of judicial reforms.

And the deepening political division means that Bulgaria is facing an uphill battle, despite the huge parliamentary majority supporting the adoption of the euro, the "Washington Post" also commented.

The President spoke with the leadership of the CEC, it became clear when the elections will be held

Given the war, the end of which cannot be predicted for now, but which more than ever requires unity in the EU, these are not good prospects at all.

The year 2023 - especially for Bulgaria, will not be good, "Tageszeitung" concludes.