Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Radev Resigns, Aims to End Bulgaria's Political Crisis
Rumen Radev, a former air force commander and ex-president of Bulgaria, has resigned to form a new party and run in the upcoming elections.
He wants to end the political crisis that has been going on since 2020.
Many people in Bulgaria are tired of corruption and a small group of politicians who have been in power for a long time.
Radev is popular, but he faces big challenges, like questions about his views on Russia and Ukraine, and a gas deal that caused losses.
He might need to work with other parties to win the election and make changes.
Rumen Radev resigned as president to form a new party and run in upcoming elections.
Bulgaria has been in a political crisis since 2020, marked by weak governments and snap elections.
Protests against corruption and higher taxes led to the ousting of the last government in December.
Radev is popular but faces challenges, including questions about his pro-Kremlin stance and a controversial gas deal.
He may need to form a coalition with the reformist PP-DB party to win an outright majority.
- Who
- Rumen Radev, former Bulgarian president and air force commander
- What
- Resignation from presidency to form a new party and run in upcoming elections
- When
- Resigned on January 21, 2024; elections expected in spring 2024
- Where
- Bulgaria
- Why
- To end the political crisis and address corruption and voter disillusionment
- Rumen Radev
- Former Bulgarian president and air force commander
- Political Crisis
- Ongoing since 2020, marked by weak governments and snap elections
- Protests
- Against corruption and higher taxes, leading to government ousting in December
- Upcoming Elections
- Parliamentary elections expected in spring 2024
- Corruption Allegations
- Hundreds of millions of euros in EU funds allegedly diverted
- Voter Turnout
- Dropped from nearly 50% in April 2021 to below 35% in June 2024
- Radev's Stance
- Pro-Kremlin views on Ukraine, skepticism on the euro
- Potential Coalition
- Possible alliance with reformist PP-DB party