Rumen Radev, a left-wing populist politician, who has been critical of the EU, NATO and Ukraine, has won an overwhelming majority in the parliamentary elections in Bulgaria. His Party, Progressive Bulgaria, won up to 45% of the vote, while their major opponents, the pro-European and liberal party, Democratic Bulgaria won just up to 15% of the vote.
Rumen Radev wins the elections after the previous Bulgarian Prime Minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov, dissolved the cabinet and resigned following widespread protests against corruption and tax hikes.
Radev likes repeating Russia’s talking points, such as including it in “Europe’s security architecture” and opposing military support to Ukraine, while also criticising EU sanctions on Moscow. His pro-Russian position in foreign policy is bringing fears that Europe may have its next Viktor Orban.
However, Radev has primarily won the elections with his anti-corruption and anti-establishment message, vowing to take on oligarchs and corruption within the government.
Newsroom
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