The four political parties aiming to form a governing coalition and a cabinet in Bulgaria before the end of the year have set out their respective stances on nuclear energy, with the winning party in recent elections saying nuclear is a matter of national security.

On 14 November, Bulgarians voted in a general election which produced a fragmented parliament consisting of seven political parties spanning the full range of the political spectrum.

The election was won by the newcomer liberal centrist ‘Continuing the Change’ (PP in Bulgarian) party with 26% of the vote – not enough to form a majority. The party began negotiations to form a government with three other parties, including socialists, centrists, and liberal conservatives.

The PP said it is “definitely pro nuclear power” and “Bulgaria will never be left without nuclear power”, which is a matter of national security and not just an economic consideration.