Bulgarian President Rumen Radev Resigns to Form New Party Ahead of Snap Elections

In a major political shakeup, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev announced his resignation on Monday, a move widely interpreted as the first step toward launching his own political party. The decision comes as the Balkan nation prepares for yet another round of early parliamentary elections following the collapse of the previous government last month.

Radev, whose second term was originally set to end in January 2027, stated he would formally submit his resignation to the Constitutional Court on Tuesday. If accepted, Vice President Iliana Iotova will assume the presidency until new presidential elections are held in November.

Shifting Power Dynamics in Bulgaria Radev’s resignation follows years of political instability in Bulgaria, which has seen seven parliamentary elections in just four years. The latest coalition government resigned in December after only a year in power, amid widespread protests over budget cuts and persistent corruption.

By stepping down now, Radev positions himself to directly lead a new political movement in the upcoming snap elections, likely to be held in the coming months.

A Controversial Figure on the European Stage Known for his vocal skepticism regarding Bulgaria’s adoption of the Euro and his Kremlin-friendly views on the war in Ukraine, Radev has long been a polarizing figure. While the presidency in Bulgaria is largely a ceremonial role, Radev has used his platform to influence public opinion and challenge pro-Western government policies.

Political analysts suggest that Radev’s move could further fragment an already divided parliament, where no single party has managed to secure a stable majority recently. His entry into the parliamentary race is expected to mobilize a significant portion of the electorate that remains disillusioned with traditional political parties.