Photo: Rumen Radev, armenpress.am
Bulgaria’s parliament has approved the leader of the Progressive Bulgaria party and former president Rumen Radev as the country’s prime minister. 124 MPs voted in favor of his candidacy and the structure of the ministerial council, with 70 against and 36 abstentions.
Speaking in parliament, Radev said that his team would focus on modernizing the country, fighting corruption and poverty, and restoring the rule of law.
Radev: “We have no illusions”
“We have no illusions about the crises and trials the government will face – galloping prices, the budget, lack of reforms, a severe global energy crisis and worsening conflicts,” Radev, who was quoted by Euronews, to MPs.
Radev is 62 years old. He served as Bulgaria’s president from 2017 to 2026. In January this year, the politician resigned to run in parliamentary elections and compete for the post of prime minister, who in Bulgaria has more powers than the president.
“Progressive Bulgaria” received 44.5% of the vote
In the snap elections in April, Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria party won 44.5% of the vote and 131 seats out of 240 in parliament. Experts emphasize that this is the first absolute majority in the Bulgarian parliament since 1997.
Radev has a military career under his belt. In 2003, he received a master’s degree in strategic studies from the US Air War College in Alabama, after which he was appointed commander of the Bulgarian Air Force.
His supporters are divided between those who hope he will end oligarchic corruption in the country and those who support his Eurosceptic and pro-Russian views. In particular, Radev is known for his intention to develop a “pragmatic dialog” with Moscow.
