The ruling Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) continues being the political formation having highest support, a December poll shows.

BSP has the support of 24 to 26 per cent of the Bulgarians, Focus news agency reported.

Newly formed party Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria (CEDB), having as informal leader Sofia mayor Boiko Borissov, ranks as the second most popular formation.

CEDB supporters represent 13 to 15 per cent of the population.

Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and ultra-nationalist movement Ataka share similar percentages. They get the support of seven to nine per cent of the Bulgarians.

Right-wing parties gather considerably smaller support. Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) gets five per cent, while Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) gets a two per cent support.

Political scientists said that CEDB managed to get votes away from Ataka. A vast majority of Bulgarians, more than 70 per cent, support Borissov. Only 17 per cent of the people polled favour Ataka leader Volen Siderov.