Radev secured Bulgaria’s first clear parliamentary majority since 1997 in last month’s elections, campaigning on promises to combat corruption.

Rumen Radev, who triumphed in Bulgaria’s parliamentary vote last month, was officially appointed as the new prime minister on Thursday. His decisive victory raises expectations for a stable government in the Balkans, a region that witnessed eight elections within just five years.

ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT

Running on a platform prioritizing anti-corruption measures and dismantling Bulgaria’s so-called «oligarchic model,» Radev resigned his presidency earlier this year to enter the election race. Known for his critical stance on the EU, he has also advocated for reviving talks with Russia.

Bulgarian VP Iliana Yotova walks through the hall after President Rumen Radev, pictured behind, declared his resignation, Sofia, Bulgaria, January 19, 2026 Valentina Petrova/Copyright 2026 The AP. All rights reserved

“With this vote, Bulgarians have expressed their wish for durable institutions and the defense of liberty, democracy, and justice,» Radev stated upon receiving the mandate to form a government from President Iliana Iotova.

The 62-year-old former combat pilot revealed his proposed cabinet lineup on Thursday as well.

Radev faces numerous issues, including the formulation of the 2026 budget, tackling escalating inflation, and reforming a judicial system currently at a standstill.

Furthermore, implementing anti-corruption reforms is crucial to unlocking nearly €400 million in European Union funds. Parliament is expected to approve Radev and his ministers on Friday.

The election last month marked Bulgaria’s first outright majority for a single party since 1997.

The impoverished Balkan country, home to 6.5 million, has been gripped by political instability since anti-corruption demonstrations in 2021 toppled the conservative government led by long-standing pro-European figure Boyko Borissov.

The most recent conservative-backed cabinet stepped down the previous year following a wave of anti-corruption protests, which received Radev’s support. Transparency International ranks Bulgaria, along with Hungary, as the EU’s most corrupt nation based on its corruption perception index.

Additional sources • AFP