Bulgaria’s President Radev Resigns, Fuelling Talk of New Political Party

Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev has announced his resignation, intensifying speculation that he plans to launch his own political party ahead of the country’s next parliamentary elections.

In a speech on Monday, Radev said he would submit his resignation to the Constitutional Court on Tuesday, despite being due to remain in the largely ceremonial role until January 2027. If the court approves the move, Vice President Iliana Iotova will assume the presidency until a new election scheduled for November.

The announcement comes as Bulgaria grapples with a prolonged political crisis following the collapse of its last government in December. The country is now heading toward its eighth parliamentary election in four years, after successive polls failed to produce stable governing coalitions.

Radev, a former air force commander, was first elected president in 2016 and re-elected in 2021. Over the years, he has signalled growing political ambitions and has repeatedly hinted at forming his own party. His scepticism over Bulgaria’s recent move to join the euro and his Kremlin-friendly stance on the war in Ukraine have often put him at odds with parts of the political establishment.

The most recent governing coalition, which took office after months of negotiations, lasted less than a year before resigning amid protests over a new budget and allegations of widespread corruption.

During the ongoing deadlock, Radev has frequently appointed interim governments, a role that has boosted his public profile and influence. Analysts and Western diplomats say the repeated caretaker administrations have further strengthened his position and may have encouraged his decision to step down and pursue a more direct political role.

Elections are expected in the coming months as Bulgaria continues its search for a stable government.