SOFIA – Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev announced on Monday the formation of a three-party alliance named Progressive Bulgaria, positioning it to contest the parliamentary election slated for April 19 amid the nation’s eighth vote in seven turbulent years.
Radev, who resigned from his largely ceremonial post in January nearly a year ahead of schedule, remains one of Bulgaria’s most popular figures, with polls suggesting his coalition, uniting the left-leaning Our People Movement, Social Democratic Party, and Socialdemocrats, could secure over 30% of the vote. His influence loomed large during recent instability, including the collapse of the latest government on December 11 after protests against tax hikes and entrenched corruption.
“Progressive Bulgaria answers Bulgarians’ demand to dismantle the oligarchic corruption model,” Radev declared in a Facebook post. “Success requires a decisive victory, resting on every Bulgarian’s voice.”
The move comes as Bulgaria grapples with chronic political deadlock since 2021, exacerbated by a fragmented parliament unable to sustain coalitions, despite joining the euro zone on January 1.