SOFIA – Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova formally asked election victor Rumen Radev to serve as the country’s next prime minister on Thursday, following his Progressive Bulgaria party’s commanding performance in last month’s parliamentary contest – Bulgaria’s eighth election in just five years.
The former fighter pilot turned politician, known for his skeptical stance toward the European Union, saw his party capture 44.6% of voter support during the April 19 parliamentary race, securing a majority within the nation’s 240-member legislative body.
Following the formal request to lead the government, Radev presented his proposed cabinet lineup, with parliamentary approval anticipated for Friday.
The political leader had resigned from Bulgaria’s primarily symbolic presidential role in January to pursue the April legislative contest, after widespread demonstrations against government corruption and escalating cost of living pressures toppled the prior administration last December.
Progressive Bulgaria’s triumph represents the most substantial electoral victory in decades, positioning Radev to lead the nation’s first single-party administration in almost thirty years – a development that could bring much-needed political steadiness following numerous election cycles.
The incoming administration will feature Velislava Petrova-Chamova as foreign minister and Galab Donev handling finance responsibilities. The new government faces immediate challenges including adopting a fresh budget, establishing debt limits to guarantee pension and salary payments, and securing previously missed European Union funding.
