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Rumen Radev

Rumen Radev

Air Force general and former President of Bulgaria

Appears in 3 stories

Born: 1963 (age 62 years), Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria
Education: Air War College (AWC), G. S. Rakovski Military Academy (1994–1996), and Higher Air Force School Georgi Benkovski (1987)
Children: Georgi Radev-Junior
Presidential term: January 22, 2017 – January 23, 2026
Previous campaign: Bulgarian general election, 2021 - President of the Republic of Bulgaria
Previous office: President of Bulgaria (2017–2026)
Nationality: Bulgarian

Notable Quotes

PB has won unequivocally, a victory of hope over distrust, a victory of freedom over fear. — Victory speech, April 20, 2026

Bulgaria needs pragmatism and critical thinking in its attitude to Russia, not ideological reflexes. — Campaign rally, March 2026

Dialogue with Russia must be restored. — Post-election remarks, April 20, 2026

Stories

Bulgaria's ex-president Radev wins outright parliamentary majority after mass protests toppled government

Rule Changes

Election winner; awaiting parliamentary constitution before formal mandate to form government

Bulgaria held its eighth parliamentary election in five years on April 19, 2026. Former President Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria coalition won 44.7% of the vote—the largest single-party result in Bulgaria's democratic history—giving it roughly 130 seats and an outright majority in the 240-seat National Assembly. Radev resigned the presidency in January to form the party, riding a wave of anti-corruption anger after mass protests toppled the previous government in December 2025.

Updated Apr 21

Bulgaria's first female president takes office amid political turmoil

Rule Changes

Resigned; will form new political party after March elections, not before

Bulgaria has had five presidents in its 33-year post-communist history. None resigned before completing their term—until Rumen Radev stepped down on January 23, 2026. His departure elevated Vice President Iliana Iotova to become Bulgaria's first female head of state, a historic milestone overshadowed by the deepest political instability the country has faced since the fall of communism.

Updated Feb 6

Bulgaria adopts the euro after 19-year wait

Rule Changes

Acknowledged euro adoption while criticizing lack of referendum in New Year address

Bulgaria became the 21st member of the eurozone on January 1, 2026, replacing the lev at a fixed rate of 1.95583 per euro. ECB President Christine Lagarde welcomed Governor Dimitar Radev to the Governing Council table in Frankfurt, calling the euro "a powerful symbol" of European unity amid global geopolitical uncertainty. The ECB illuminated its headquarters with "Welcome, Bulgaria" in all eurozone languages. The adoption happened despite 49% public opposition and President Rumen Radev's New Year's address lamenting that "those in power chose not to listen to the citizens" about holding a referendum. Euro banknotes and coins began circulating at midnight, ending nearly three decades under a currency board.

Updated Jan 1