Bulgarias President Rumen Radev to step down before upcoming election

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev Announces Resignation Ahead of Upcoming Snap Elections

In a televised address on Monday, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev announced his intention to resign from office, effective the following day. The move has sparked speculation about Radev’s plans for the future, including the possibility of forming his own political party.

Radev stated that he would submit his resignation to the country’s Constitutional Court, which will then review and approve or reject his decision. If approved, Vice President Iliana Iotova will assume the presidency.

The announcement comes as Bulgaria is set to hold a snap election in the coming months, marking the eighth round of voting since 2021. The country has been experiencing a prolonged political crisis, with widespread anticorruption protests forcing the resignation of the previous government in December.

Radev’s second term as president will end in 2026, and he has repeatedly indicated that he may participate in new elections. He has been critical of several politicians, including GERB party leader Boyko Borissov and politician Delyan Peevski, who is under sanctions from the US and UK for alleged corruption.

Radev’s approval rating stands at 44 percent, according to a recent poll. His goal appears to be to achieve a majority in order to avoid negotiations with other parties.

The country’s political landscape remains uncertain, with Radev’s resignation potentially providing an opportunity for a new party to emerge.

Source: Al Jazeera