Bulgarian President Rumen Radev Resigns Ahead of Snap Elections, Signals Prime Minister Ambition
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev announced on Monday that he will resign from office, paving the way for a new political project just two months before Bulgaria’s snap parliamentary elections. The decision comes amid a prolonged political crisis that has left the country struggling with instability, declining voter turnout, and widespread public distrust in institutions.
Radev said he will formally submit his resignation on Tuesday, marking the end of his nine-year presidency and confirming long-standing speculation that he intends to seek executive power as prime minister.
“Our democracy cannot survive if we leave it in the hands of corrupt figures, deal-makers, and extremists,” Radev said in a televised address, framing his resignation as a response to systemic political failure.
Radev’s Resignation and Bulgaria’s Political Crisis
Bulgaria has faced years of political deadlock, with repeated elections failing to produce stable parliamentary majorities. As a parliamentary republic, real governing power lies with the parliament and the prime minister, while the presidency is largely ceremonial. However, Radev’s influence has expanded as political paralysis deepened.
During his tenure, Radev appointed seven caretaker governments, an unprecedented number that highlights the inability of political parties to form lasting coalitions. Analysts say his resignation signals a decisive shift from a moderating role to direct political leadership.
Speculation about Radev entering the parliamentary race has circulated for years. Monday’s announcement effectively confirms his intention to compete for the premiership ahead of the upcoming elections.
Questioning Bulgaria’s Democratic Direction
In his speech, Radev questioned why Bulgaria’s major European achievements—such as joining the Schengen Area and the eurozone—have failed to translate into political stability or public satisfaction.
“We are already members of Schengen and the eurozone,” he said. “The questions are why these achievements did not bring stability; why Bulgarians stopped voting; why they do not trust the justice system or the media; and why, in a European Bulgaria, so many people feel poor or live in insecurity.”
He blamed what he described as a “conveyor-belt” model of governance, arguing that while it appears democratic on the surface, it operates through oligarchic structures behind the scenes.
Mass Protests and Public Anger
Public frustration reached a boiling point just weeks ago, when Bulgaria saw its largest protests since the 1990s. The demonstrations were initially triggered by opposition to a draft national budget but quickly escalated into broader demands for political accountability and systemic change.
Protesters called for the resignation and withdrawal from politics of several high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and influential lawmaker Delyan Peevski, who has been sanctioned under the U.S. Magnitsky Act for alleged corruption.
The protests underscored growing public anger over corruption, inequality, and a perceived lack of justice—issues Radev has repeatedly highlighted during his presidency.
Foreign Policy Impact and Ukraine War Stance
The emergence of a new political party led by Radev could significantly reshape Bulgaria’s domestic politics and foreign policy. His position on the war in Ukraine differs markedly from that of previous Bulgarian governments, drawing criticism from political opponents and some Western-aligned analysts, who have labeled him “pro-Russian.”
Radev addressed these accusations directly, warning that political opportunism could endanger national unity and security.
“In the name of their political future, some politicians are putting the peaceful lives of Bulgarians at risk amid a dangerous war close to our borders,” he said. “They are even threatening civil and ethnic peace, which we will preserve despite provocations.”
What Comes Next for Bulgaria
With snap parliamentary elections approaching, Radev’s resignation introduces a powerful new variable into Bulgaria’s volatile political landscape. Supporters view him as a potential unifying figure capable of breaking the cycle of instability, while critics warn that his policies—particularly on foreign affairs—could shift Bulgaria’s strategic direction.
As Bulgaria heads toward another election, Rumen Radev’s move from president to potential prime minister may prove to be one of the most consequential political developments in the country’s recent history.
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