Bulgarian President Rumen Radev addressed the nation yesterday evening in a "final (televised) address", writes the German magazine "Spiegel". "Shortly before the parliamentary elections, the Russia-friendly head of state announced that he was resigning so that he could participate in the election race. According to Radev, Vice President Iliana Yotova will temporarily take over the presidency," continues "Spiegel".
The second five-year term of Radev and Yotova is due to end in January 2027. The two were initially elected in 2016 as candidates for the Socialists. As head of state, Radev has consistently advocated the fight against corruption and mafia practices, "Spiegel" points out. "Today's political class has betrayed the hopes of Bulgarians in compromises with the oligarchy," the publication quotes Radev as saying in his address yesterday.
Bulgaria introduced the euro at the beginning of the year, although it was left without a state budget for 2026. Last year's budget was extended by three months due to the political crisis. A "new social contract" is needed, Radev stressed. He declared the battle for the future of the Fatherland," Der Spiegel also wrote, adding that Radev did not specify how he intends to participate in the election campaign.
According to political scientists, a new political force around Radev will significantly change the party landscape in Bulgaria, with its entry into parliament considered certain, but smaller parties will probably not be able to pass the 4 percent barrier this time, the German publication noted.
The President of Bulgaria announced his resignation before early elections in the coming months, which deepens the political instability that has gripped this EU and NATO member state, the French newspaper Le Monde writes. The Balkan country, which adopted the euro on January 1, has plunged into instability again since the conservative government was ousted in mid-December by a series of mass protests against corruption, the publication continues.
"Rumen Radev, a vocal critic of the government who supported the protests, announced last week that early elections would be held - the eighth in the last five years, after the parties failed to form a new government", "Le Monde" also wrote.
The 62-year-old Radev said he had a strong desire to start a "battle for the future of Bulgaria". He said that the "pernicious model of governance" was the cause of poverty, protests and distrust in institutions. "Speculation is rife that Radev may participate in the elections because he said he wanted to "unite everyone" in the fight against corruption. His resignation marks the first time a head of state has stepped down since the end of communism," the French publication said.
"Le Monde" also discusses some details of Radev's biography.
"Radev, a former pilot and commander of the Bulgarian Air Force who was supported by the pro-Russian socialist opposition, was first elected president in 2016. He expressed strong support for demonstrators during the mass protests against corruption in 2020. In 2021, Radev secured a second five-year term, winning nearly 67% of the vote in the second round," Le Monde wrote.
"Frequently at odds with the government, he expressed disagreement with sending military aid to war-torn Ukraine. In an interview with CNN last year, he expressed disappointment at the lack of support among EU allies for Donald Trump's "peace efforts," as the American president himself called them, the French newspaper continues.
The publication quotes Parvan Simeonov, founder of the sociological agency "Measure," according to whom Radev has decided to resign and possibly participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections because "there is momentum related to the protests." A poll by the "Market Links" institute shows Radev's approval rating at 44%. "His goal is to be close to the majority so as not to have to negotiate." too much, Simeonov said, adding that if Radev achieves a strong result in the elections, it could open up a "way out of the crisis".
"Left-wing Bulgarian President Rumen Radev announced his resignation on Monday," headlined the British newspaper "The Guardian".
"Radev said in a televised address that he would formally resign before the Constitutional Court on Tuesday. According to the Constitution, the current Vice President, Iliana Yotova, must be confirmed by parliament to take office until the end of the government's term," the British newspaper writes.
"The Guardian" focuses on the question of whether Radev will create a new political formation.
"Radev announced his decision amid public expectations that he would form a new political party. Yesterday, Radev did not mention what his plans were. Recently, he said in response to a journalistic question that a party was needed that "unites all democrats – left and right – regardless of their affiliation or whether they are politically active, because we all need fair elections and democratic, free development, "adds "The Guardian".
"Bulgaria, which joined the EU in 2007 and adopted the euro this month, has been mired in political deadlock and protests against corruption since 2020 and has produced eight votes for parliament in the past four years," writes "Politico".
"For weeks, there has been speculation that Radev, who won the presidential election in 2016 and was re-elected for a second term in 2021, could resign to enter the race. For many Bulgarians, he is the only political constant amid the constant change of governments," continues "Politico". The last prime minister – Rosen Zhelyazkov resigned in December after weeks of anti-corruption protests against his government. Zhelyazkov’s cabinet, which took office in January 2025, survived six no-confidence votes before falling, the publication noted.
"Radev yesterday expressed skepticism about Sofia’s decision to adopt the euro and took positions that his critics deride as pro-Kremlin, including calling EU support for Ukraine a "doomed cause," added "Politico".