63% of Bulgarians over the age of 18 say democracy is the best form of governance, 19% hold the opposite view, indicates a survey by Trend agency, commissioned by Open Society Institute – Sofia. In 2023, trust in democracy is up compared to 2018 when it stood at 44%.

49% of the respondents state they approve of the restriction of democratic rights and liberties, 41% do not. 49% approve of the idea of “a strong leader who will not be engaged with parliament and elections”. In this respect Bulgaria ranks between Turkey – 50% and Mexico – 47% who have the highest levels of support for the idea of a strong leader. 37% of people in Bulgaria are against this. 87% of Bulgarians want fair elections but 65% support the idea of decisions being taken by experts and not by the government.