Weary Bulgarians fear more political turmoil after latest election

Sabotin Kokalov, 64, arranges firewood at a barn in his house in the village of Davidkovo, Bulgaria, September 16, 2022. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov

DAVIDKOVO, Bulgaria (Reuters) - Bulgarians bracing for their fourth election in less than two years face a winter of want amid soaring inflation driven by the war in Ukraine, making many yearn for good government and stability after years of political turmoil.

At stake is the next government's ability to tackle rocketing energy costs and secure gas supplies at affordable prices after Russia's cutoff in April over Bulgaria's refusal to pay in roubles following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.