Sofia, Bulgaria. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said he will resign, fuelling speculation he may form a political party to contest upcoming parliamentary elections after the previous government quit last month.
Resignation process and succession
Radev, who was due to hold the largely ceremonial post until January 2027, said he will submit his resignation to the Constitutional Court on Tuesday. If the resignation is approved, Vice President Iliana Iotova will replace him until presidential elections in November.
Political positions and background
Radev was elected president in 2016 and again in 2021. He has expressed scepticism about Bulgaria’s recent move to join the euro and has taken Kremlin-friendly positions on the war in Ukraine.
Possible political move and stated aims
Radev has long floated the possibility of forming his own party, saying he wants to bring stability and fight graft in one of the European Union’s poorest and most corrupt countries. “Today’s political class has betrayed Bulgarians’ hopes,” he said in a speech. “We need a new public contract.”
Political crisis and expected elections
Radev’s decision comes amid a years-long political crisis, with Bulgaria heading towards its eighth parliamentary election in four years. A fragmented parliament has seen a series of election winners fail to win majorities or create lasting coalitions.
The previous government lasted nearly a year before resigning in December following protests against a new budget and widespread corruption. Elections are expected in the coming months.
Interim governments and rising profile
Radev, a former air force commander, has repeatedly appointed interim governments, raising his profile and political ambitions, analysts and Western diplomats said. Tihomir Bezlov, a senior fellow at the Centre for the Study of Democracy in Sofia, said Radev has waited for the opportunity to become “a saviour from the chaos”.
What impact do you think Radev’s resignation could have on Bulgaria’s next parliamentary elections?