Progressive Bulgaria Launches National Election Campaign, Rumen Radev Vows to ‘Reclaim the State’
Plovdiv, Bulgaria – On March 21, 2026, the Progressive Bulgaria coalition officially launched its national election campaign at the Sila Hall in Plovdiv, presenting its lead candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections on April 19, 2026. Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, leading the coalition, outlined a platform focused on dismantling corruption and strengthening democratic institutions.
Radev Calls for a Battle for Bulgaria
Addressing supporters, Radev characterized the election as “the most important battle of their lives, the battle for Bulgaria.” He asserted that the coalition possesses a clear vision and a plan to achieve its goals. According to the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA), Radev criticized the current political landscape, alleging that it has alienated citizens from the electoral process and allowed oligarchic interests to stifle entrepreneurship.
Addressing Economic Concerns and Citizen Dissatisfaction
Radev highlighted the struggles faced by Bulgarian citizens, noting that “great talents, brilliant minds, bold entrepreneurs, free people increasingly feel that it is becoming harder to realize their ideas in their own country.” He too pointed to the distorting effects of cartels on prices, leaving citizens burdened by rising costs. Fakti.bg reported that Radev called for accountability, referencing past restrictions on citizens’ right to referendum.
Balancing European Integration with Domestic Reform
While acknowledging the benefits of Bulgaria’s integration into Europe – including free travel, educational opportunities, and tariff-free trade – Radev emphasized the require to address widespread dissatisfaction, anger over injustice, and recent economic hardship. BTA reported that Radev stated the goal is to “bring down the oligarchy, reclaim the state, strengthen the rule of law, democracy, and civil liberties, and ensure that there are no poor people in a European Bulgaria.”
Coalition Composition and Political Standing
Progressive Bulgaria is a coalition comprised of the Political Movement Social Democrats, the Social Democratic Party, and the Our People Movement. POLITICO reports that Radev is widely considered Bulgaria’s most popular politician, with polls currently placing his formation at 33 percent, 12 points ahead of its closest rivals. The coalition’s leadership also includes Galab Donev, a former caretaker prime minister, and Dimitar Stoyanov, an ex-defense minister.
Campaign Launch Details
The campaign launch event in Plovdiv featured performances by singer Ivana Mircheva and tenors Rosen Nechev, Emil Pavlov, and Boris Taskov. Leaders of the parliamentary lists were presented to the public, including athletes Petar Stoychev and Vladimir Nikolov, and former chief secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Petar Todorov. Novinite.com detailed the high-profile lineup of candidates.