European leaders have extended congratulations to Rumen Radev following his coalition’s decisive victory in Bulgaria’s parliamentary elections, signalling readiness to deepen cooperation on regional security and economic priorities.
Kaja Kallas welcomed the result, expressing optimism about future collaboration aimed at strengthening stability and prosperity across both Bulgaria and Europe. Similar sentiments were echoed by Antonio Costa, who described the outcome as a clear mandate and emphasized shared ambitions for a secure and resilient Europe.
Mark Rutte confirmed he had spoken with Radev after the vote, highlighting the importance of continued cooperation in addressing common security challenges. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic also praised the result, calling it a strong endorsement and reaffirming support for bilateral and European engagement.
Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria coalition secured victory in Sunday’s election, the country’s eighth parliamentary vote since 2021, reflecting ongoing political volatility.
A former Air Force commander and president from 2017 until his resignation earlier this year, Radev formed the coalition to contest the election, positioning himself as a leading candidate for prime minister.
His campaign focused heavily on anti-corruption reforms, with pledges to dismantle entrenched networks of influence and tackle oligarchic control within Bulgaria’s political system.
However, his positions on key issues have drawn scrutiny. His reservations about Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro and previous criticism of European support for Ukraine have raised concerns among some allies.
In his victory address, Radev called for a stronger Bulgaria within a more effective Europe, stressing the need for pragmatic policies, strategic thinking, and renewed efforts to enhance security frameworks, industrial capacity, and economic competitiveness across the continent.
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