Bulgaria's former president Radev is back with a big win and a pro-Russia stance

Bulgaria is waking up to a new political era after former president Rumen Radev led his Progressive Bulgaria party to a commanding victory in Sunday's parliamentary elections. With over 44% of votes counted, Radev's coalition secured an outright majority, a rare feat in a country that's seen seven elections in five years and no stable government since 2021. The win hands Radev sweeping authority to shape policy, especially in foreign affairs, where his views have long stirred debate.

Radev, who served as Bulgaria's president from 2017 to 2022, has consistently criticized the European Union's sanctions on Russia and called for energy and diplomatic ties to be restored. He's described NATO's posture in Eastern Europe as overly aggressive and has pushed for Bulgaria to chart a more neutral path. While he didn't hold executive power as president-Bulgaria's presidency is largely ceremonial-he used the platform to amplify his views, building a base that's now translated into parliamentary strength.

The election results suggest voters were less swayed by geopolitical concerns than by a desire for stability. Years of coalition collapses, interim governments, and repeated ballots have stalled reforms and frustrated citizens. Radev's message of decisive leadership and national sovereignty appears to have resonated, especially in rural areas and among older voters who remember closer ties with Moscow.

Still, the outcome has raised eyebrows in Brussels and Washington. Bulgaria is a NATO member and sits on the Black Sea, making it a strategic point in Europe's defense posture. A government that softens toward Russia could complicate alliance unity, particularly as the war in Ukraine drags on. Some analysts worry Radev might block or slow EU initiatives, especially those targeting Moscow.

Radev has said he won't pull Bulgaria from NATO or the EU, but he's promised to renegotiate certain policies and restore gas imports from Russia when possible. His party also supports rolling back some liberal social policies and strengthening ties with non-Western countries, including China and Serbia.

Opposition leaders have conceded defeat but warned of democratic backsliding, pointing to Radev's past praise for Russian governance models and his clashes with independent media. International observers from the OSCE said the election was orderly but noted concerns about state media bias in the final weeks of campaigning.

With a clear mandate, Radev is expected to name a new prime minister soon-possibly from within his own circle-and begin forming a cabinet. Whether he uses that power to stabilize Bulgaria or deepen divisions within Europe remains to be seen. For now, one thing is clear: the country's political chaos may be over, but a new chapter of tension has just begun.