Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev resigned after the Constitutional Court approved his departure and handed over duties to Vice President Iliana Iotova, who becomes the country's first female president. Radev is widely expected to form a new political party to contest forthcoming parliamentary elections. Iotova must now appoint a caretaker government and set an election date after the December collapse of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's administration amid protests over corruption and proposed tax hikes.
Bulgaria's Rumen Radev Resigns, Signals Plans To Form New Party; Vice‑President Becomes First Female President
Outgoing Bulgarian President Rumen Radev waves to supporters as he leaves the Presidency to officialy step down, in Sofia, Bulgaria, January 23, 2026. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
SOFIA, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Bulgaria's President Rumen Radev formally resigned on Friday after the Constitutional Court approved his departure, intensifying expectations that he will launch a new political party to contest an upcoming parliamentary election.
Outgoing Bulgarian President Rumen Radev is greeted by supporters as he leaves the Presidency to officialy step down, in Sofia, Bulgaria, January 23, 2026. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
Radev, 62, handed over presidential duties in a short ceremony to Vice President Iliana Iotova, who becomes Bulgaria's first female president. While the Bulgarian presidency is largely ceremonial, Radev — a former air force commander elected in 2016 — has exerted significant influence behind the scenes during a prolonged period of political instability.
Outgoing Bulgarian President Rumen Radev reacts next to President Iliana Iotova as he leaves the Presidency to officialy step down, in Sofia, Bulgaria, January 23, 2026. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
What Happens Next
President Iotova must now appoint a caretaker government and set a date for parliamentary elections after Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's administration collapsed in December amid mass protests over corruption and proposed tax hikes. Political analysts and many in the public expect Radev to form a political movement focused on restoring stability and combating graft.
"This was my last day as president but my first day as a citizen who believes... that with joint efforts we can change Bulgaria, defend democracy, reaffirm the law and accelerate economic growth," Radev said after the handover.
Broader Context
Bulgaria has held seven parliamentary elections in four years, signalling deep public frustration with weak coalitions and endemic corruption. The country, one of the European Union's economically weakest members, adopted the euro on January 1, adding economic and political pressure to the coming electoral contest.
Opinion polls indicate Radev remains one of the most popular political figures in Bulgaria, though he has not yet issued a formal announcement naming himself as the leader of any new party. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the presidency in central Sofia to greet him, many waving the national red, green and white flag.
Help us improve.
