Former Bulgarian president Rumen Radev is projected to win the parliamentary elections, according to early exit polls. Often described as having a pro-Russian stance, Radev’s coalition is expected to secure 37% to 39 % of the vote - well ahead of the conservative GERB party, led by Boyko Borissov, w
The snap elections in Bulgaria are shaping up to have significant political implications across Europe. Radev, a former fighter pilot who stepped down as president in January, appears to be the clear frontrunner based on preliminary results.
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The results are still being processed and are constantly changing. Radev is getting closer to a majority, but what are the options if he doesn’t reach it? If he falls short, coalition-building will be necessary. However, his party, Progressive Bulgaria, has already ruled out forming alliances with both GERB and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), whose leaders - Borissov and Delyan Peevski - have frequently been criticised by Radev as “oligarchs.”
Radev’s relationship has also deteriorated with the third-largest political force, We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria, despite previous cooperation. This leaves limited options for coalition partners, most notably the Bulgarian Socialist Party and the nationalist Revival party, the latter known for its strongly anti-EU and pro-Russian positions.
Radev’s political stance has drawn considerable attention internationally. During his presidency, he repeatedly opposed sending military aid to Ukraine and has been critical of European Union policies in that regard. He has often argued that supporting Ukraine risks drawing Bulgaria into the conflict. Radev has also called for dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has contributed to his reputation as being sympathetic to Russia.
His campaign has not been without controversy. At a recent campaign event, opposition parties criticised him after a video clip shown on stage included footage of his meeting with Putin. Just days earlier, Radev reaffirmed his previously controversial statement that “Crimea is Russian,” calling it a “realistic position” - a remark that had already sparked backlash when he first made it five years ago.