Ex-PM’s party poised for victory in Bulgaria

THE former prime minister of Bulgaria verged on retaking power Sunday as his centreright party held a narrow lead in a contested election, a sign that Bulgarians still see their future lying with the European Union. It appeared that Boiko Borisov would form a new government in Bulgaria, the European Union’s poorest member, probably in a coalition with an alliance of smaller right-wing parties. The Socialists, who had advocated stronger ties with Russia and had vowed to block a renewal of sanctions against the Kremlin, conceded defeat. The result appeared to be a setback for President Vladimir Putin of Russia.