"He will be replaced by Vice President Iliana Yotova, who will serve in his stead until new elections are held. Radev's term was slated to end in 2026. He is the first leader to resign in Bulgaria since the former Soviet nation became independent in 1991. In an address to the nation, Radev said, "The battle for the future of our homeland lies ahead, and I believe we will face it together with all of you the worthy, the inspired, and the unyielding! We are ready. We can, and we will succeed!""
"A new political party for Bulgaria? Bulgaria, an EU and NATO member state that adopted the Euro currency on January 1, 2026, was rocked by anti-corruption protests in November and December that brought down the prior center-right government. Radev, a former air force general critical of the prior government, has said he may participate in the upcoming election, though it has been rumored that he may start a new party if he does."
Rumen Radev announced his resignation as Bulgaria's president, effective Tuesday, with Vice President Iliana Yotova to serve until new elections. His term had been slated to end in 2026, making him the first leader to resign since 1991. Bulgaria adopted the euro on January 1, 2026, and recent anti-corruption protests in November and December toppled the prior center-right government. Radev, a former air force general, may run in the upcoming vote or form a new party aimed at uniting democrats across the spectrum. Radev blamed a "pernicious model of governance" for poverty, protest and distrust of institutions. New elections are expected in late March or April.
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