Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev will run in the April elections with the new alliance 'Progressive Bulgaria'

Rumen Radev, the former president of Bulgaria, announces his candidacy for the early general elections on April 19, at the head of the new political coalition 'Progressive Bulgaria'. Considered the most popular politician in the country, Radev is credited with approximately 33% of the votes, surpassing his main competitors by 12 percentage points.

His alliance, which brings together three center-left parties, is seen as a response to citizens' expectations to combat corruption. Radev, known for his opposition to mafia structures, has been criticized by pro-Western rivals for his positions towards Russia. The April elections are the eighth ballot in the last four years, reflecting the political instability in Bulgaria, where no prime minister has managed to complete their term since 2021.