Bulgaria: Former president Rumen Radev secures decisive mandate in parliamentary elections

By  News On Air   Apr 20, 2026

In Bulgaria, former president Rumen Radev has secured a decisive mandate in the country’s parliamentary elections, marking a major shift after years of political instability. According to the Central Electoral Commission, Radev’s center-left Progressive Bulgaria coalition won nearly 45 percent of the vote, with over 96 percent of ballots counted.

The coalition is far ahead of the center-right GERB party led by Boyko Borissov, which secured just over 13 percent. Conceding defeat, Borissov congratulated Radev on the victory. Addressing supporters, Radev described the result as a victory of hope over distrust, and pledged to continue Bulgaria’s European path while advocating what he called a more pragmatic approach within Europe.

The election outcome comes after nearly five years of political turmoil in Bulgaria, marked by fragile governments and repeated elections. The previous administration collapsed amid widespread anti-corruption protests. Radev, a former air force commander, campaigned strongly against corruption and the influence of oligarchic networks in politics.