“Today’s political class betrayed the hopes of the Bulgarians in compromises with the oligarchy,” Radev said. “Your trust obliges me to protect the statehood, institutions and our future.”
Bulgaria, which joined the EU in 2007 and adopted the euro this month, has been mired in political deadlock and anti-corruption protests since 2020, and has held no fewer than eight elections in the last four years.
Speculation has swirled for weeks that Radev, who was elected president in 2016 and again in 2021, could resign his post to throw his hat in the ring. For many Bulgarians he has been the sole political constant amid a constant churn of governments.
The last prime minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov, resigned in December following weeks of anti-corruption protests against his government. His Cabinet, which took office in January 2025, survived six votes of no confidence before succumbing.
“A battle for the future of the fatherland lies ahead,” Radev said. “We are ready, we can and we will succeed.”
Radev has expressed skepticism about Sofia’s decision to adopt the euro and has taken what his critics have derided as pro-Kremlin positions, including calling the EU’s support for Ukraine a “doomed cause.”
Vice President Iliyana Yotova, whom Radev described as a “worthy head of state,” would take over as president in due course, he said.