David Charter, Europe Correspondent, in Brussels
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The right-wing Opposition, led by a karate black-belt, claimed victory in Bulgaria’s general election last night after a campaign centred on the economy and the country’s poor record on fighting corruption.
Boyko Borisov, the Mayor of Sofia, told the local television channel bTV that he had dealt a “smashing, annihilating” defeat to the ruling Socialists. His coalition was on course to gain 117 seats in the 240-member parliament after pledging to end the criminality that has led the EU to suspend millions of euros in development funds.
“I voted for a European Bulgaria, which has to prove that it is not the poorest and most corrupt country in Europe,” said Mr Borisov, 50, as he cast his vote.
The ruling Socialists were expected to win 39 seats, continuing a trend which has seen no government re-elected in Bulgaria since the fall of communism in 1990.
Official results are expected today.
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