Read on PBS NewsBulgarian President Rumen Radev Resigns Amid Political Crisis
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has announced his resignation, marking the first time a head of state has stepped down in the country's post-communist history. His decision comes as Bulgaria, a member of both the European Union and NATO, grapples with a prolonged political crisis that has seen the collapse of a governing coalition and failed attempts to form a new government. Radev's resignation fuels speculation about his political future, including the potential formation of a new party ahead of anticipated parliamentary elections.
In a historic move that has sent shockwaves through Bulgaria's political landscape, President Rumen Radev announced his resignation on January 19, 2026. This unprecedented decision marks the first time a Bulgarian head of state has stepped down since the country's transition from communism, occurring against the backdrop of a deep and persistent political crisis. As a member of both the European Union and NATO, Bulgaria's stability is of significant regional importance, making Radev's resignation more than just a domestic political event.
The Resignation Announcement and Constitutional Process
President Radev made his announcement in a televised address, stating he would formally submit his resignation to Bulgaria's Constitutional Court the following day. According to the Bulgarian constitution, this triggers an automatic succession process. The current vice president, Iliana Yotova, must be sworn in by parliament to serve as acting president until the end of the presidential mandate in 2026. Radev concluded his address with a rallying cry to his supporters, declaring, "The battle for the future of our homeland lies ahead, and I believe we will face it together with all of you — the worthy, the inspired, and the unyielding! We are ready. We can, and we will succeed!"
Context: Bulgaria's Prolonged Political Crisis
Radev's resignation cannot be understood in isolation from Bulgaria's ongoing political turmoil. The country has been struggling with governance instability for years, a situation that reached a critical point in late 2025. Large-scale anti-corruption protests last month forced the resignation of the governing coalition, which was led by the center-right GERB party. Subsequent attempts to form a new government within the existing parliament have failed completely, setting the stage for what will be Bulgaria's eighth parliamentary election since 2021.
Radev's Political Future and Speculation
The timing of Radev's resignation has fueled widespread speculation about his political ambitions. There is significant public expectation that the 62-year-old former Air Force general will form a new political party. Radev, whose second presidential term was set to end in 2026, has repeatedly indicated he may participate in upcoming elections. He has been a vocal critic of key political figures, including GERB party leader Boyko Borissov and oligarch Delyan Peevski, whose party has supported the outgoing coalition. While Radev did not specify his plans in his resignation address, he recently commented on the need for a party that "unites all democrats — left and right — regardless of where they belong or whether they are politically active at all, because we all need fair elections and democratic, free development."
Implications for Bulgaria and the Region
This political development carries significant implications both domestically and for Bulgaria's role in European and transatlantic alliances. The resignation of a sitting president creates immediate institutional uncertainty during an already fragile period. For the European Union and NATO, a politically unstable Bulgaria presents challenges, particularly regarding policy coordination and regional security. The coming months will be crucial as Bulgaria navigates this transition, with the acting presidency, potential new elections, and Radev's possible re-entry into frontline politics all shaping the country's trajectory.
