Bulgaria Election

People pass posters of former president Rumen Radev, after Bulgaria's parliamentary election, in Sofia, Monday, April 20, 2026.

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Tired of political turmoil, Bulgarians give ex-president a convincing mandate for change

Tired of political turmoil, Bulgarians give ex-president a convincing mandate for change

Bulgaria's center-left coalition led by ex-president Rumen Radev has won the parliamentary election, according to the central electoral commission. With all the ballots counted Monday, the Progressive Bulgaria coalition received 44.6% of the vote, far ahead of the center-right GERB party and the pro-Western reformist bloc. Radev described the victory as a triumph of hope over distrust. He emphasized Bulgaria's commitment to its European path while advocating for critical thinking and pragmatism. Radev, known for his Russia-friendly views, resigned from the presidency to pursue the role of prime minister.