Bulgarians' expectations for 2026 are more pessimistic compared to those at the end of the previous year. This is according to a survey by the sociological agency “Trend“ commissioned by “24 Chasa“ on attitudes towards the passing 2025 and the upcoming 2026.
The survey was conducted in the period November 29 - December 5, 2025 based on 1002 effective interviews with respondents aged 18+. The method is a direct semi-standardized “face-to-face“ interview. The data are published on the “Trend“ website.
The results of the survey show that 28% of those surveyed are of the opinion that Bulgaria expects a better year - 10% less than a year earlier. At the same time, nearly half of Bulgarians (47%) expect a worse year for the country, with the share almost twice as high as last year (26%).
Personal expectations are slightly more optimistic - 35% expect a better year on a personal level, and 29% - a worse one. However, here too there is a clear deterioration compared to the previous year, when 47% expected a better year for themselves, and only 15% - worse, commented by the „Trend“ agency.
According to the survey data, 61% of Bulgarians were happy in 2025 - a value close to that reported in the previous year. Against this background, 33% define 2025 as a good year for Bulgaria, with the share increasing by 9% compared to last year. However, the majority of Bulgarians (53%) define the year as bad for the country, noted by „Trend“.
On a personal level, attitudes are more positive - nearly six out of ten Bulgarians (59%) define 2025 as good for themselves. The share is similar to that reported at the end of last year, indicated by „Trend“. For over a quarter of adult Bulgarians (28%), the past year has been a bad one on a personal level. Both assessments of the country and personal assessments are most positive among the youngest (18-29 years old), who are traditionally more optimistic, the survey data also shows.