Military man, fighter pilot and now prime minister! Who is Rumen Radev, the pro-Russian who won the elections in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev appears to be on course for a landslide victory in Sunday's parliamentary elections, with his newly formed Progressive Bulgaria party securing around 44% to 46% of the vote, according to preliminary results.

This result brings Radev significantly closer to forming an independent government, as it is estimated that his formation could secure over 130 seats in the 240-seat parliament. However, the final distribution will depend on whether smaller parties pass the 4% threshold for parliamentary representation.

In second place is the center-right GERB party, led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, while in third place is the coalition "Continuous Changes - Democratic Bulgaria", both with about 12.5% ​​of the vote. In fourth place is the "Movement for Rights and Freedoms", linked to controversial businessman Delian Peevski.

Rumen Radev, 62, comes from a military career, where he served as commander of the Bulgarian Air Force and a MiG-29 fighter pilot. He was elected president in 2016 and re-elected in 2021, gaining great influence in a period of political turmoil in the country.

In domestic politics, he has positioned himself as a supporter of justice reforms and transparency in administration. In the international arena, he declares support for Bulgaria's European integration, but has expressed reservations about some European Union policies, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.

Radev has also called for a more pragmatic approach to relations with Moscow, a stance his critics describe as pro-Russian. On the economic front, he has expressed caution against rapid adoption of the euro, warning of inflation risks and the impact on purchasing power.

The formation of a parliamentary majority in the coming days will be key to determining whether he will be able to fully implement his political program and open a new chapter for stability in Bulgaria.

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