Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria party has secured a decisive victory in Bulgaria's parliamentary election, winning approximately 37% of the vote according to exit polls. The former president, who served from 2017 to 2026, transformed his political movement into a major electoral force in just months.
The election results show Progressive Bulgaria more than doubling the score of their closest competitor, though Radev will likely need to form a coalition to govern. His party's strong performance reflects growing public frustration with Bulgaria's economic stagnation and desire for closer ties with Russia.
Radev, a former combat pilot, has positioned himself as a pro-Russian alternative to the country's pro-Western establishment. The election marks a significant shift in Bulgarian politics, with voters choosing a party that promises to address economic inequality while maintaining strategic autonomy from both Brussels and Moscow.
The outcome raises questions about Bulgaria's future direction within NATO and the European Union, as Radev has advocated for a more balanced foreign policy that would preserve economic ties with Russia while maintaining formal membership in Western institutions.
