Rumen Radev Forms Bulgaria’s First Single-Party Government

Former president Rumen Radev was named prime minister on 7 May 2026 after Progressive Bulgaria won 44.6 % of vote and 131 seats. Parliament approved appointment 124-70-36.

Bulgaria's election winner Radev receives mandate to form new government

Since 2021 Bulgaria has held eight elections in five years, each triggered by anti-corruption protests that ousted the GERD-led government in December 2022. The deadlock led Radev to resign the presidency in January 2026 and run for parliament.

Euronews

Radev’s cabinet includes deputy prime ministers and 18 ministers. Velislava Petrova-Chamova heads foreign affairs, Galab Donev finance, Ivan Demerdzhiev interior, Dimitar Stoyanov defence, Nikolay Naydenov justice, Aleksandar Pulev economy. Deputies Ivo Hristov and Atanas Pekanov supervise EU funds.

Bulgaria's election winner Radev receives mandate to form new government

Progressive Bulgaria secured 44.6 % of votes and 131 seats. Bulgaria’s 6.5 million-strong population has a public-debt-to-GDP ratio of 27 % and a fiscal deficit above the EU’s 3 % limit; the current-account deficit is near –4 % of GDP. Government must unlock €400 million of EU Recovery funds.

Bulgaria’s political reset: Radev’s victory signals a new era of stability and reform

Radev pledged to curb soaring prices, introduce price-control amendments, and overhaul the Supreme Judicial Council to dismantle Bulgaria’s “oligarchic model.” He promised to absorb withheld EU recovery payments, enforce budget discipline, and pursue energy. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted security, competitiveness and energy independence.

Reuters

President Iliana Iotova said vote reflects demand for stable institutions and “defence of freedom, democracy and justice.” Radev told lawmakers mandate carries “great responsibility” and that government must tackle “galloping prices, budget, missing reforms and a severe energy crisis.” Von der Leyen congratulated Bulgaria on a “strong agenda” security and competitiveness.

EU-skeptic Rumen Radev named new Bulgarian prime minister

Democratic Bulgaria lawmaker Ivaylo Mirchev criticised the abstention on a bill to probe oligarch Delyan Peevski’s assets, warning that Radev’s bloc is “already backing away from promises to initiate justice reform.” Analysts flagged his pro-Russian stance as a risk to Bulgaria’s alignment with EU sanctions and aid to Ukraine.

Balkan Insight

Reuters and Saudi Gazette label Radev as “pro-Russian eurosceptic,” while party officials and foreign minister have dismissed fears of an “extreme turn.” No foreign-policy blueprint has been released, leaving balance between Russia-friendly outreach and EU commitments uncertain.

Reuters

• “We will reverse the trend of skyrocketing prices, restore stability with a new Supreme Judicial Council and its inspectorate,” — Rumen Radev, Prime Minister-designate

EU-skeptic Rumen Radev named new Bulgarian prime minister

• “after years of political instability, Bulgarian citizens had delivered their verdict in the latest elections and had brought the political crisis to an end.” — Rumen Radev, Prime Minister-designate

Bulgaria's election winner Radev receives mandate to form new government

• “Peevski shouldn’t have the means to buy chewing gum, instead, he flies with his private jets to Dubai all the time,” — Ivaylo Mirchev, Democratic Bulgaria lawmaker

Balkan Insight