Georgi Karasimeonov(Ed.) B A R O M E T E R Bulgaria’s Political Parties Year 13, Issue 3 July-September 2013 The political situation in the country is still tense. Despite the fact that the protests are gradually losing intensity, political dialogue between the government and the opposition remains very confrontational. The President confronted the National Assembly and the government, which adds to the tension in the complicated political and social environment. GERB continue their inconsequent behavior as parliamentary opposition. The party cannot yet fit into this new role. Loss of electoral support that was registered by leading opinion poll agencies is most likely to grow as a result of this behavior. The protests have consolidated BSP and they are political force number one at the moment according to the electoral attitude polls. At the same time, there is a lot of internal tension within BSP. It is due to the leadership, on the one hand, and to the political course and cadre decisions. Many BSP members accuse the leadership of making decisions in a small circle and not asking the opinion of the legitimate party bodies, such as the National Council. Friedrich Ebert Foundation Office Bulgaria Analyses