Three quarters of Bulgarians are unhappy with the constant political scandals in the country, according to a survey by Market Links agency released on December 3.

The agency noted that Bulgarians' feelings about the current situation are similar to in 2013 when thousands of Bulgarians protested for months against the government of then prime minister Plamen Oresharski. That government had to resign around a year after taking office.

“It can be predicted that currently the Bulgarian citizens are in a situation to expect an early election, because the discontent and dissatisfaction from the way the country is developing is too high,” Market Links noted.

In May, the share of those unhappy with the current state was significantly lower at just 55%.

Trust in parliament has sunk to just 7% of all polled, negatively affected by the delayed resignation of former deputy prime minister Valeri Simeonov. Both ruling Gerb and its main opposition – the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) – have lost support due to Simeonov’s late move.

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov’s deputy resigned on November 16 after a month of protests demanding his dismissal. Simeonov was pushed to quit the government by mothers of disabled children and their supporters who had been protesting since mid-October after he made a highly offensive statement about them. However, he was replaced by his former head of cabinet Mariana Nikolova.

The presidency was the only institution to enjoy higher approval than in the previous poll – 51% of people said they trust the institution.

Meanwhile, nearly 80% of respondents said they have reasons to protest and are supporting the protests even if they are not taking part in them. Moreover, a new wave of mass protests could be expected.

The main reason for dissatisfaction appeared to be low living standards, along with poor governance, the bad condition of the health sector and the widespread high-level corruption, Market Links noted.

On the other hand, the ruling coalition between Gerb and the far-right United Patriots seems to lack adequate alternatives as the BSP has been unable to gain more support despite the scandals shaking the ruling coalition for months.

In an election, 27.7% of all voters would back Gerb, while 24.9% would vote for the BSP. The ethnic-Turk Movement for Rights and Freedom (DPS) would gain 5.7%, while newly-established Democratic Bulgaria would be backed by 4.6%, also entering parliament. The United Patriots would also make it to parliament with 5.2% support, Market Links noted.