Deputy Chairman of "Revival" Tsoncho Ganev (left) and Secretary of "United Russia" Vladimir Yakushev, April 28, 2025.
A total of 20 parliamentary candidates with dual citizenship appeared on the ballot for Bulgaria’s 52nd National Assembly in the April 19 elections, according to data from the Central Election Commission cited after a request by Club Z. One candidate was later removed due to failing to meet residency requirements, as he had not lived in Bulgaria for the required period of 18 months. Despite the relatively small share of the total 4,786 candidates (around 0.4%), the CEC report points to a clear rise compared with previous election cycles.
Out of all registered cases, only one candidate with dual citizenship entered parliament: Nihal Fehmieva Yuzergan of Progressive Bulgaria, who also holds Turkish citizenship. Her election marked a precedent, as she became the first MP with dual citizenship following the 2023 constitutional changes that allowed such representation.
Earlier elections show a much lower presence of such candidates. In the vote for the 50th National Assembly in June 2024, only two individuals with foreign citizenship appeared on the ballot, one of whom was disqualified due to residency issues. In the elections for the 51st National Assembly, there was only one such candidate, who was also removed. By contrast, the April 19 vote saw the number rise sharply to 20.
