Bulgaria approves new government led by Rumen Radev

Friday 08 May 2026 - 15:00

Bulgaria has officially formed a new government after the National Assembly approved a Cabinet led by Rumen Radev, ending a prolonged period of political instability and repeated elections.

Lawmakers voted in favor of appointing Radev as prime minister and approved the structure of his proposed government, marking a significant political shift after years of parliamentary deadlock. The vote in the 240-seat legislature received majority support, allowing the country to move toward a regular governing administration.

The decision followed the official mandate granted by President Iliana Iotova, who tasked Radev with forming a government after recent parliamentary elections.

Before the parliamentary vote, Radev addressed lawmakers and thanked Bulgarian citizens for their participation in the elections, describing the strong voter turnout as a sign of renewed democratic legitimacy. He also emphasized the need for political stability and institutional cooperation after years of fragmented governments and repeated political crises.

The newly approved Cabinet includes four deputy prime ministers and 18 ministries, reflecting the coalition’s intention to strengthen administrative coordination and restore confidence in state institutions.

Radev leads the political coalition Progressive Bulgaria, which emerged as the leading force following the parliamentary elections held in April. The elections represented the eighth national vote organized in Bulgaria since 2021, highlighting the country’s prolonged political uncertainty.

A former Air Force commander, Radev previously served as president of Bulgaria before resigning earlier this year to return to active politics and participate in parliamentary elections. His political comeback has attracted significant attention both domestically and internationally.

Political analysts believe the formation of a stable government could help Bulgaria accelerate economic reforms, improve relations with European partners, and address inflation, energy concerns, and institutional challenges affecting the country in recent years.

The establishment of the new administration is also viewed as an important step toward restoring public confidence in Bulgaria’s democratic institutions after a long period of political fragmentation.