The upcoming elections have increasingly exacerbated the political situation in the country. Inflation and growing unemployment have es­calated social tensions. A growing number of industry associations and syndicates have requested wage increases. This may result in a wave of protests in the winter which would be used by the opposition parties. Until the elections the GERB ruling party will focus mostly on cam­paigning and highlighting government achievements. The trend of plum­meting confidence in the party is continuing and this will be the main challenge for the governing party on the eve of the elections. Nonethe­less, it remains the frontrunner in terms of electoral influence. Stanishev’s election as PES leader strengthened the BSP’s legitimacy abroad, which may turn out to be an important factor in the election cam­paign next year. It will rally the party around its leader even more. The list of signatures in favor of a referendum on the Belene Nuclear Power Plant showed the BSP’s mobilizing potential. Bulgaria of the Citizens Movement of Meglena Kuneva will increas­ingly draw public attention. Opinion polls indicate that the party will al­most certainly enter the next Parliament. Kuneva stated clearly that she will run independently in the elections and so far has been avoiding the issue of potential coalitions in the new Parliament.