Bulgaria’s political landscape just got a seismic shakeup as President Rumen Radev announced his resignation to chase the prime minister’s seat.

On Monday, Rumen Radev, Bulgaria’s president for nine years, declared his resignation as head of state, with plans to formally submit it on Tuesday. This move comes just two months before the country’s seventh snap parliamentary election since 2021, set for this spring. Vice President Iliana Yotova will assume the presidential role in his stead, while Radev launches a new political project amid a years-long political crisis.

Critics and observers note that Radev’s decision could reshape Bulgaria’s domestic affairs and even its foreign policy. His stance on the war in Ukraine has drawn scrutiny, with some labeling him as favoring Moscow over Western allies. This resignation confirms long-standing speculation that Radev would enter the parliamentary race to seek the prime minister’s position in Bulgaria, a parliamentary republic where governance rests with the parliament, council of ministers, and prime minister.

Radev’s Resignation Sparks Political Firestorm

Bulgaria’s political scene has been a mess for years, and Radev’s tenure saw him appoint seven caretaker governments due to parties failing to form stable majorities. His latest move to form a new political party might just be the match that lights a bigger fire. Many see this as a desperate bid to break the cycle of dysfunction, according to EuroNews.

Radev didn’t mince words about the state of affairs, blasting what he calls a sham democracy run by hidden oligarchic forces. “Our democracy cannot survive if we leave it in the hands of corrupt figures, deal-makers, and extremists,” he declared. That’s a bold accusation, but let’s be honest—when citizens are flooding the streets in the largest protests since the 1990s, something’s clearly broken.

Those protests, triggered by a controversial draft budget just weeks ago, quickly escalated into demands for key figures like former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Delyan Peevski—sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act—to exit politics. It’s no surprise people are fed up with a system that looks democratic on paper but feels like a rigged game. Radev seems to be banking on that frustration.

Foreign Policy Concerns Loom Large

Radev’s foreign policy views, especially on Ukraine, raise eyebrows and could shift Bulgaria’s standing in Europe if he gains power. Labeled by opponents as leaning toward Russia, his positions clash with past governments’ stances. This isn’t just domestic drama—it’s a potential pivot on the global stage.

On the economic front, Radev stirred the pot weeks before Bulgaria’s euro adoption on Jan. 1, 2026, by pushing for a referendum on joining the single currency, only to be shot down by parliament. “The final rift between Bulgarians and the political class came with the National Assembly’s refusal to hold a referendum on the date of introduction of the single European currency,” he lamented. That rejection likely fueled his decision to jump into the parliamentary fray—why trust a system that silences the people?

Look, Bulgaria’s already in Schengen and the eurozone, but Radev’s right to question why that hasn’t translated into stability or trust. The average citizen isn’t feeling the supposed benefits of European integration when they’re struggling to make ends meet. It’s a disconnect that progressive policies often gloss over with shiny promises.

Will Radev’s Gamble Pay Off?

The timing of this resignation, just before snap elections, suggests Radev is playing a high-stakes game to capitalize on public discontent. He’s positioning himself as the outsider who can clean house. But can he really turn protest energy into votes?

His critique of governance as a “conveyor-belt” model—democratic in name only—hits a nerve for many who feel left behind by elite deal-making. It’s a classic populist move, but in a country this fractured, it might just work. The question is whether his solutions match the scale of the problems.

Radev’s rhetoric about preserving peace amid a nearby war and domestic tensions shows he’s aware of the tightrope he’s walking. With Bulgaria’s proximity to conflict zones, any misstep in foreign policy could have real consequences. Stability, not ideology, should be the priority.

Bulgaria at a Crossroads

The spring elections will be a test of whether Bulgarians buy Radev’s vision or stick with the devil they know. A new party under his leadership could either be a fresh start or another chapter in the crisis. Either way, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

For now, as Vice President Yotova steps into the presidency, all eyes are on Radev’s next moves. Will he be the reformer Bulgaria needs, or just another politician promising change? Only time—and the voters—will tell.