Former Bulgarian President Forms New Coalition Ahead of Election

Bulgaria's well-liked former President Rumen Radev has created a new three-party political alliance to compete in upcoming parliamentary elections. Polls suggest his coalition could capture over 30% of the vote in the country's eighth election in seven years.

SOFIA – Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev announced Monday that he has formed a new three-party coalition named Progressive Bulgaria to compete in the nation’s parliamentary elections scheduled for April 19.

The move marks the country’s eighth electoral contest in just seven years, highlighting Bulgaria’s ongoing political turmoil. Radev, who resigned from his largely ceremonial presidential position in January, remains widely favored among Bulgarian voters, with polling data indicating his new alliance could secure over 30 percent of voter support.

During his presidency, Radev exercised significant unofficial political influence throughout a turbulent period that culminated in the most recent government’s downfall on December 11. He stepped down from office nearly twelve months ahead of schedule.

The administration collapsed after sustained public demonstrations against increased taxes and what protesters viewed as inadequate efforts to combat corruption within the government.

Taking to Facebook, Radev declared: “‘Progressive Bulgaria’ is the answer to the expectations of Bulgarians for dismantling the oligarchic corruption model. In order to succeed, we will fight for a decisive victory and it depends on the voice of all Bulgarians.”

The new coalition unites three left-oriented political groups: Our People Movement, Social Democratic Party, and the Socialdemocrats movement.

Since becoming a eurozone member on January 1, Bulgaria has struggled with persistent governmental instability. Political parties have been unable to establish lasting governing partnerships since 2021 due to a divided parliament.