President Rumen Radev of Bulgaria announced on Monday he will resign from his post, a move preceding snap parliamentary elections. During a televised address, Radev stated his intention to submit his resignation to the country’s Constitutional Court the following day, Jan. 20, 2026.
If the court accepts the resignation, Vice President Iliana Iotova is positioned to assume the presidency. Radev’s announcement marks the first time a head of state has resigned in Bulgaria’s post-communist history.
“Today, I am addressing you for the last time as president of Bulgaria,” Radev said, adding he was prepared to participate in the “battle for the future” of the country. He did not specify his future plans.
The decision comes amid a period of political instability in the European Union and NATO member state. The previous governing coalition, led by the center-right GERB party, resigned in December following anti-corruption protests. Subsequent efforts to form a new government within the existing parliament were unsuccessful, prompting the call for what will be the country’s eighth parliamentary election in five years.
Radev, a former Air Force general whose second term was set to conclude in 2026, has been a public supporter of the anti-corruption demonstrations. He has also been an outspoken critic of GERB party leader Boyko Borissov and Delyan Peevski of the MRF New Beginning party. Peevski has been sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom for alleged corruption.
Regarding foreign policy, Radev has voiced reservations about Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro and has opposed sending military aid to Ukraine. He has also publicly criticized European leaders over their approach to the conflict.
Speculation regarding Radev’s political future includes the potential formation of a new party. When asked recently about such a possibility, Radev said there was a need for a party that “unites all democrats – left and right.”
A recent poll conducted by Market Links indicated Radev has a public approval rating of 44 percent. Parvan Simeonov of the Myara polling agency told the AFP news agency that a strong electoral performance by Radev could offer “a way out” of the country’s ongoing political challenges.
