Bulgarian President Rumen Radev Resignation 2026: A Gamble for New Political Power
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev resigned on January 19, 2026, signaling a major move to form a new party ahead of the country's 8th election in four years.
The Balkan political landscape is facing a major shake-up. On January 19, 2026, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev announced his resignation, fueling intense speculation that he'll form his own political party. This move comes as Bulgaria struggles to emerge from a years-long crisis following the previous government's collapse last month.
Rumen Radev Resignation: Breaking the Ceremonial Silence
Radev, whose term wasn't set to end until January 2027, plans to submit his resignation to the Constitutional Court this Tuesday. If it's approved, Vice President Iliana Iotova will step in until presidential elections are held in November. According to Reuters, this strategic exit allows Radev to transition from a largely ceremonial role to an active participant in the upcoming parliamentary elections—the 8th in just four years.
Today’s political class has betrayed Bulgarians’ hopes. We need a new public contract.
Geopolitical Stance and Domestic Support
Radev's political ambitions are marked by his controversial stances. He's often taken Kremlin-friendly positions regarding the war in Ukraine and expressed skepticism about the euro, which Bulgaria adopted on January 1, 2026. Despite this, his popularity remains high; a recent poll showed 44% of respondents trust him, significantly outperforming traditional political veterans. Analysts suggest he could secure between 20% and 35% of the vote in a general election.
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