Bulgaria’s former President Radev wins election: All you need to know

Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria party has emerged as the clear winner in the country's eighth parliamentary election, securing a majority of votes and likely 130 seats in parliament. With 98.3% of ballots tallied, official figures show Radev's party taking 44.7% of the vote. Radev, 62, served as Bulgaria's president for nearly a decade before stepping down to launch his bid to become prime minister. He has positioned himself as an outsider seeking to rid the country of its "oligarchic governance model". The election comes after years of fragile coalitions and repeated votes, raising hopes for a more stable government. Radev will be the next prime minister, but questions remain over his foreign policy stance and what this means for Bulgaria's position within the European Union and NATO.

Rumen Radev, Bulgaria's former pro-Russian president, decisively won the country's parliamentary election, according to official results released Monday. His Progressive Bulgaria party secured 44.7% of the vote, potentially allowing them to govern independently. This victory, exceeding pre-election polls, marks a significant shift in Bulgarian politics and could end a period of political instability that saw eight elections in five years. While Radev hasn't ruled out coalition possibilities, his win raises concerns about Bulgaria potentially moving closer to Moscow, despite being an EU and NATO member. The election results have been welcomed by both Russia and the European Union.

Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria party is projected to win Bulgaria's parliamentary election held on Sunday, marking the country's eighth general election in five years. Exit polls indicate Progressive Bulgaria secured 37% of the vote, significantly ahead of Boiko Borisov's GERB party at 16%. Several other parties are expected to enter Parliament, surpassing the 4% threshold. The election was triggered by mass demonstrations following the previous government's controversial budget proposal in December, which Radev, as president, supported. Radev, perceived as pragmatic and somewhat pro-Russian, has expressed reservations about EU sanctions and advocated for dialogue with the Kremlin. He aims to build a strong Bulgaria within a strong Europe, emphasizing critical thinking and pragmatic actions.

Bulgaria held its eighth parliamentary election in five years, with former president Rumen Radev, considered pro-Russian, leading in the polls. Radev, who stepped down from the presidency to run, campaigned on promises to combat corruption and provide stability after the previous government fell due to mass demonstrations. Voters are weary of repeated elections and perceived corruption among veteran politicians. While Bulgaria has seen economic progress since joining the EU, it lags behind other member states, and the rising cost of living is a major concern. Opinion polls suggest Radev's party will likely secure the largest share of votes, though not a majority, and voters are hoping for political stability and effective governance.

According to exit polls, former President Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria party is projected to win Bulgaria's parliamentary election held on Sunday, securing 38.1 percent of the vote. The election, Bulgaria's eighth in five years, followed mass protests that led to the previous government's removal in December. Trailing behind Progressive Bulgaria is former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov’s conservative GERB with 15.9 percent, and the reformist We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria coalition with 14.1 percent. Radev has expressed willingness to work with other parties to form a government and avoid further elections, while Borissov emphasized the importance of negotiations in determining the governing coalition. Radev stepped down from the presidency in January to run for prime minister, promising to address corruption following the December protests.

Bulgarians are voting in their eighth parliamentary election in five years on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in hopes of resolving a prolonged political crisis. The snap election was triggered by the resignation of the previous government following widespread protests against corruption. Since 2021, Bulgaria has experienced political instability with fragmented parliaments and short-lived governments, leading to public mistrust and voter apathy. A potential outcome of this election is the rise of a left-leaning, pro-Russian former president, Rumen Radev, who is leading the Progressive Bulgaria coalition and seeking the position of prime minister after resigning from his presidential role. This election is happening shortly after Hungarian voters rejected Viktor Orbán's policies.

Bulgarians are heading to the polls for the eighth time in five years in a general election triggered by mass protests against government corruption and economic policies. Young Bulgarians like Anna Bodakova, a parliamentary candidate, hope to translate the protests into meaningful change towards a more democratic, pro-European, and corruption-free future. However, their aspirations may clash with the ambitions of former president Rumen Radev, known for his pro-Russian stance and opposition to key European policies. Radev, who resigned to run for prime minister, is leading in the polls with support from older, rural voters seeking to dismantle what he calls a corrupt political "oligarchy." The election highlights a generational divide and differing visions for Bulgaria's future.

Bulgaria will hold snap parliamentary elections on April 19, 2026, the eighth in five years, due to ongoing political instability and the resignation of the previous government in December 2025. The snap election was triggered by widespread protests against corruption and disagreement over the proposed 2026 budget. The previous government, led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, resigned amid a no-confidence motion. Polls are scheduled to open at 7 am and close at 8 pm local time. Approximately 3.3 million voters are expected to participate in the election.