Krum Zarkov Elected New Leader of Bulgarian Socialist Party

Krum Zarkov has been elected as the new leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), a prominent center-left political force in Bulgaria. The election took place at the party's 51st Congress in Sofia on February 8, 2026. Zarkov, a former caretaker Minister of Justice, secured the leadership position with 416 votes out of 721 valid ballots cast by delegates.

Leadership Transition at the 51st Congress

The election followed the resignation of the previous BSP chair, Atanas Zafirov, who stepped down during a speech to the congress delegates on February 7, 2026. Zafirov stated his decision was a step back from the 'first among equals' position but not a withdrawal from politics, emphasizing his desire not to deepen internal party divisions. The 51st Congress, held over February 7-8, 2026, was a pivotal event for the party. Its agenda included an analysis of the BSP's participation in government, the adoption of a platform for upcoming elections, and significant amendments to the party statute. Notably, the congress reinstated the election of the party chair by the congress itself, moving away from a direct vote system.

Krum Zarkov's Background and Vision

Krum Zarkov, 43, brings a background in law and public service to his new role. He is a graduate of the Lycée Français de Sofia and the Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, holding a degree in International Law and Law of International Organizations. His political career includes serving as a Member of the National Assembly from 2017 to 2022 and as caretaker Minister of Justice from 2022 to 2023. Upon his election, Zarkov described his victory as 'a victory over apathy and a sense of resignation,' signaling a new phase for the party. He expressed confidence in revitalizing the BSP and addressing the challenges ahead.

The Bulgarian Socialist Party's Political Landscape

The BSP, also known as 'The Centenarian' due to its historical roots tracing back to 1891, has faced a period of decline in recent years. The party has seen a significant decrease in voter support, with Atanas Zafirov noting a loss of approximately 770,000 voters since 2017. Recent polls indicated the party's support hovering between 4.9% and 5.5%. Despite this, the BSP was part of a coalition government in January 2025 as a minority partner. Zarkov's leadership is anticipated to focus on rebuilding trust and strengthening the party's position within Bulgaria's political landscape.