Rumen Radev
Bulgaria’s president announces resignation
Updated January 19, 2026 – 8:40 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
The poorest country in the European Union is in a political crisis. The current president is taking his position before the next election.
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, who is considered to be Russia-friendly, is resigning before an early parliamentary election in order to throw himself into the election campaign as a politician. Radev announced this on Monday evening in a “final address” to the people, which was broadcast directly on television in Bulgaria.
“Tomorrow I will submit my resignation from the post of President of the Republic of Bulgaria,” said the 62-year-old reserve major general. The Constitutional Court should decide on Radev’s resignation – in the sense of whether this is his authentic will. According to Radev, Vice President Ilijana Jotova will take over the presidential office.
Radev and Jotova’s second five-year terms were scheduled to end in January 2027. Both were originally elected as Socialist candidates in 2016. As head of state, Radev repeatedly campaigned for the fight against corruption and mafia practices.
“The political class has betrayed the hopes of the Bulgarians by compromising with the mafia,” said Radev, explaining his switch to party politics. Radev spoke of a “social consensus against the mafia” that was expressed in the waves of protests in Bulgaria.
“A new social contract is necessary,” emphasized Radev. He announced a “fight for the future of the fatherland.” However, he did not make it clear how he wanted to compete in the election campaign.
According to political scientists, a new political force around Radev is likely to significantly change the Bulgarian party landscape. Their entry into parliament is considered certain, but smaller parties are no longer likely to reach the four percent hurdle.
Radev’s resignation comes in the middle of a new government crisis in the EU and NATO country. According to the constitution, the current vice president, Ilijana Yotova, who will take over as president, is supposed to appoint an interim cabinet. This will run government affairs until a regular government is formed after the early parliamentary elections – probably this spring. Jotowa should also determine the election date for the new election. This would be the eighth general election in five years.
The pro-Western minority government made up of conservatives, socialists and populists was overthrown in December 2025 by massive protests against corruption and ineffective justice.
Bulgaria introduced the euro at the beginning of the year – but without having a budget for 2026. In view of the government crisis, the state budget for last year was initially extended by three months.
