Rumen Radev Wins Bulgarian Election In Landslide

Rumen Radev’s newly formed Progressive Bulgaria has recorded a sweeping victory in Bulgaria’s general election, securing enough seats to govern independently, a historic first for a single party since 1997.

With nearly all votes counted, Progressive Bulgaria won 44.7 percent of the vote, translating to 135 seats in the 240-member parliament. The result marks a major political shift in Bulgaria after years of fragile coalition governments and repeated elections, the country’s eighth general election in just five years.

Former Prime Minister Boiko Borisov’s GERB came a distant second with 13.4 percent, while the We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria coalition placed third with 12.8 percent.

The election followed widespread protests triggered by a controversial budget proposal from the previous government, a crisis that helped strengthen support for Radev, who openly backed demonstrators.

In his victory speech, Radev said voters had rejected the old political establishment and pledged to build “a strong Bulgaria in a strong Europe,” while emphasizing pragmatic policies, stronger European security, and economic competitiveness.

Radev, a former Air Force commander and ex-president, has drawn attention for his cautious stance on Western support for Ukraine and his calls for dialogue with Russia. While critical of some European Union policies, analysts say he is expected to pursue a pragmatic approach rather than direct confrontation with European partners.

Though he campaigned heavily on domestic reforms, including anti-corruption efforts and political stability, his foreign policy positions will be closely watched, especially regarding military support for Ukraine and Bulgaria’s growing role in Europe’s defence supply chain.

Despite opposing direct military aid to Ukraine, Radev has supported Bulgaria’s expanding defence industry. This includes a €1 billion partnership between Rheinmetall and Bulgaria’s VMZ arms manufacturer to boost artillery shell production, positioning Bulgaria more firmly within Europe’s defence network.

The election result gives Radev a strong mandate, though cooperation with opposition lawmakers may still be required to pass major judicial reforms that need a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

His victory signals a defining moment in Bulgarian politics and could reshape the country’s role within both the European Union and the region’s evolving security landscape.