Rumen Radev Launches ‘Progressive Bulgaria’ Campaign, Criticizes Entrenched Corruption

SOFIA, Bulgaria – Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev officially launched his novel political coalition, “Progressive Bulgaria,” on Monday, positioning himself as a key challenger in the upcoming April 19 snap elections. Radev, widely considered Bulgaria’s most popular politician, has pledged to dismantle what he calls an “oligarchic corruption model” that he believes has plagued the Balkan nation.

Political Landscape and Recent History

Bulgaria is heading to its eighth election in four years, a testament to the political instability that has gripped the country since 2021, with no prime minister completing a full term. The previous Prime Minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov, resigned in December 2025 following mass protests and allegations of corruption [Politico].

‘Progressive Bulgaria’ and Radev’s Platform

Radev announced the formation of “Progressive Bulgaria,” a coalition comprised of the Political Movement Social Democrats, the Social Democratic Party, and the Our People Movement. While the coalition has yet to release a detailed manifesto, Radev has consistently criticized the influence of oligarchs and the lack of accountability within the political system [Balkan Insight].

Speaking at the launch of the campaign in Ruse, Radev stated that Bulgaria is “a badly governed and robbed country,” and accused current rulers of readily accepting directives from Brussels without considering the national interest [BNT News]. He further alleged that powerful, unseen figures control the distribution of public resources and that those who attempt to challenge the status quo are co-opted by the very forces they seek to combat.

Radev also expressed concern over Bulgaria’s support for ongoing conflicts, suggesting they contribute to the crises facing the nation. He emphasized the need for an effective and independent Prosecutor’s Office, advocating for a two-thirds majority in Parliament to facilitate replacements within the Supreme Judicial Council and the election of a new Prosecutor General [BNT News]. The coalition plans to utilize artificial intelligence to identify and prevent corruption in public procurement processes.

Polling Data and Potential Outcomes

Current polling data suggests “Progressive Bulgaria” is the frontrunner in the April 19 election. POLITICO’s Poll of Polls currently places Radev’s formation at 33 percent, 12 points ahead of its closest rivals [Politico]. A Sova Harris agency poll from March 16th indicated support for “Progressive Bulgaria” at 30.9 percent, significantly surpassing the GERB party at 19.3 percent and the We Continue the Change and Democratic Bulgaria alliance at 12.2 percent [Balkan Insight].

Key Takeaways

• Rumen Radev has launched “Progressive Bulgaria” to challenge the existing political order.
• The coalition aims to tackle corruption and the influence of oligarchs.
• Current polls indicate “Progressive Bulgaria” is the frontrunner in the April 19 election.
• Bulgaria faces a period of continued political instability with its eighth election in four years.