Pro‑Russia Radev Wins Landslide, Set to Shift Bulgaria’s Foreign Policy

**TL;DR:** Rumen Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria party leads with 44.6% of the vote after 60% of ballots counted, enough to potentially govern alone. He framed the win as a victory of hope over distrust and pledged closer ties with Moscow.

After years of unstable coalition governments, Bulgaria held a parliamentary election that produced a decisive lead for Radev’s party. The country of 6.5 million has faced eight elections in five years, driven by public frustration with corruption and entrenched parties. Radev, a former president and fighter pilot, stepped down from the presidency to run, tapping into voter demand for change.

With 60% of ballots tallied, Progressive Bulgaria holds 44.6% of the vote, a share that could allow it to form a minority government without coalition partners. Radev declared the result a victory of hope over distrust, freedom over fear, and morality. Observers noted similarities to Viktor Orban’s approach, citing Radev’s promises to improve relations with Moscow and restart Russian oil and gas flows to Europe.

A solo or minority government led by Radev could alter Bulgaria’s foreign policy orientation, which currently aligns with NATO and the EU. He has said he would work with pro‑European parties on judicial reform and affirmed Bulgaria’s European path.

However, his campaign emphasized rekindling energy ties with Moscow and criticized EU reliance on renewables. Analysts warn that any shift must balance Bulgaria’s NATO commitments and euro‑zone membership against potential economic benefits from resumed Russian energy imports.

Watch for coalition talks in the coming days, as Radev decides whether to rule alone or seek partners, and for any concrete steps on restoring Russian gas supplies to Bulgaria and the wider EU.