Bulgaria’s former president, Rumen Radev, known for his critical stance towards the European Union and advocacy for improved relations with Russia, celebrated what he described as a “victory of hope” following the results of the eighth parliamentary elections in five years on Monday. With nearly 99% of the votes counted by Monday afternoon, the Central Electoral Commission reported that Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria (PB) party led the polls, securing approximately 45% of the votes. This result translates to an absolute majority of at least 132 seats in the 240-member parliament.
Bulgaria, the poorest member state of the European Union, has experienced a series of governments since 2021, when anti-corruption protests led to the downfall of the conservative administration headed by pro-European leader Boyko Borissov. Radev, 62, who stepped down earlier this year after serving nine years as president, campaigned on a promise to combat corruption.
The PB party secured a significant lead over the liberal PP-DB coalition, which received around 15% (14.26%), and Borissov’s GERB party, which garnered only 13%, according to the electoral commission.
“PB has won unequivocally, a victory of hope over distrust, a victory of freedom over fear,” Radev stated to reporters outside his party’s office in Sofia. He emphasized that Bulgaria would make every effort to continue its European path. However, he also highlighted the need for “critical thinking and pragmatism” in strengthening both Bulgaria and Europe. Radev pointed out that Europe has struggled to maintain its position as a moral leader in a world with evolving dynamics.
Radev’s political views have attracted international attention. During his presidency, he consistently opposed the provision of military aid to Ukraine and expressed criticism of EU policies concerning the conflict. He argued that supporting Ukraine could potentially draw Bulgaria into the conflict. Additionally, Radev has advocated for dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has led to perceptions of him being sympathetic to Russia.
Some key points about Radev’s political journey include:
- Criticism of EU Policies: Radev has repeatedly voiced concerns about the EU’s approach to Ukraine, suggesting that it risks entangling Bulgaria in the conflict.
- Advocacy for Dialogue with Russia: His calls for engagement with Putin have made him a figure of interest among international observers.
- Controversial Statements: Radev has faced backlash for his remarks on the annexation of Crimea, where he described it as “Russian.” This statement drew strong reactions from both domestic and international audiences, though he defended it as a “realistic” perspective.
Radev’s campaign has not been without controversy. At a recent event during the final phase of his campaign, opposition parties criticized him after a video clip shown on stage featured footage of his meeting with Putin. Just days prior, Radev reinforced a previously controversial stance by reaffirming his belief that the annexed Ukrainian Crimean Peninsula is “Russian,” which resulted in significant backlash both within Bulgaria and internationally. Despite this, he maintained his position, stating that it was a realistic view.
