The People’s Assembly elected Radev as head of government.Image: www.imago-images.de
Bulgaria has a new government just three weeks after the eighth parliamentary election in five years. The parliament in Sofia approved a one-party cabinet formed by former head of state Rumen Radev. The new government with him as Prime Minister replaced a transitional cabinet after taking the oath of office.
May 8, 2026, 3:03 p.mMay 8, 2026, 3:03 p.m
The People’s Assembly elected Radev as head of government with a majority of 124 votes. His government team received 122 votes. There were 70 votes against and 36 abstentions.
Radev’s center-left Progressive Bulgaria (PB) party emerged as the strongest force in the new election on April 19 with 44.59 percent of the vote. The ex-general declared war on “corruption and oligarchy”.
European course, Bulgarian interests
In his government statement, Radev reiterated that Bulgaria would be a “dignified and effective” country in Europe and the world. However, his government wants to “defend Bulgarian interests” in the alliances in which Bulgaria is a member, such as the EU and NATO. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Radev on his election as Prime Minister.
Budget is the most important concern
Bulgaria introduced the euro at the beginning of the year – but without having a budget for 2026. According to Radew, the first priority for his government is the adoption of a current budget plan. The former fighter jet pilot also named accessing EU reconstruction aid, the fight against runaway prices and judicial reform as priority tasks.
Radev resigned as head of state in January 2026, a year before the end of his second term, in order to take part in the upcoming parliamentary election. He is considered Russia-friendly and has always advocated for a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine war. He also spoke out against the EU’s Russia sanctions because they were damaging Bulgaria’s economy. (sda/dpa)