Bulgarian President Rumen Radew, who delayed military aid to Ukraine, resigned with one year remaining in his term.
Presidential Resignation Announcement
Bulgarian President Rumen Radew announced his decision in a speech delivered on Monday evening. His term would have ended anyway in one year, and he wouldn’t have been eligible to run in the next presidential elections.
The Constitutional Court must formally approve the resignation. When approved, the head of state position will be taken over by current Vice President Ilijana Jotova, a long-time activist of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP).
Presidency Controversies
Radew, who has been president since 2021, faced criticism during his term for delaying weapons supplies to Ukraine and the introduction of the euro, contrary to the positions of successive Bulgarian governments.
Political Landscape
Commentators believe Radew will now campaign for parliament with leftist-sovereignist slogans. Bulgarians will head to the polls for the eighth parliamentary elections in five years, with the political scene remaining fragmented.
The center-right GERB party, led by Boyko Borisowa, maintains the strongest structures, though Borisowa is controversial and accused of corruption and ties to the underworld. Parties opposing GERB struggle to form a majority, resulting in weak governments that fall quickly.
