Величие (Veličie / Greatness)
EU RANK: 190 (Tier 5: High Risk)
Величие is a relatively new populist formation with nationalist overtones, which entered the political scene as part of the broader fragmentation following the 2020–2021 protests. It presents itself as a defender of “ordinary Bulgarians” against corrupt elites and foreign interference, combining social promises with patriotic, anti‑establishment rhetoric. Its parliamentary presence is limited but notable as part of the expanding spectrum of protest and anti‑system parties.
Disinformation and alternative media
Greatness operates mainly through social media and smaller online outlets sympathetic to its message, with limited access to mainstream television compared to older parties. Its communication often uses emotionally charged, sensational framing on corruption, sovereignty, migration and Western influence, which increases the risk of amplifying unverified or misleading claims.
Current disinformation mapping for Bulgaria focuses on stronger and more established actors, particularly pro‑Kremlin networks and nationalist parties, but Greatness occupies a discursive space close to these ecosystems and can act as an amplifier of narratives circulating there. Its disinformation/alternative‑media risk is medium–high.
Foreign influence and external alignments
Greatness positions itself as a pro‑sovereignty force sceptical of supranational institutions, criticising aspects of EU and NATO policies and questioning sanctions regimes. While it does not openly advertise pro‑Russian alignment, its messaging on Ukraine, sanctions and Western “dictates” overlaps with lines promoted by Russian state media and domestic pro‑Kremlin actors.
There is no clear public evidence of direct organisational or financial links to foreign governments, but the ideological convergence with anti‑Western narratives increases vulnerability to external influence. DMI foreign‑influence risk is medium–high.
Media capture, advertising and public service media
Given its recent entry and limited governmental participation, Greatness has no significant control over public advertising, regulators or public media appointments. Its strategy relies on contesting mainstream media, accusing them of bias and suppression, and investing in alternative channels and social networks.
As a result, its classic media‑capture capacity is currently low: more disruptive than controlling, with influence contingent on growth and potential future access to power.
Corruption, litigation and institutional integrity
Greatness has so far not been at the centre of major corruption or patronage cases; its profile is that of an outsider criticising oligarchs and the political “cartel”. However, like many new populist parties, it lacks robust internal transparency and accountability structures, which can become an integrity risk if it gains access to resources.
Litigation records up to 2025 do not highlight significant court cases involving its leadership. DMI corruption and institutional‑integrity risk is low–medium.
Press freedom, harassment and treatment of media
Greatness strongly criticises mainstream media and public broadcasters, portraying them as captured by corrupt elites and foreign interests. This rhetoric can delegitimise independent journalism in the eyes of supporters and feed online hostility towards critical reporters, although the party currently lacks institutional means to convert this into direct repression.
Its reliance on alternative outlets and social media encourages audiences to bypass mainstream journalism entirely, contributing to further fragmentation. DMI press‑freedom and harassment risk is medium.