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Progressive Bulgaria wins Bulgarian parliamentary majority
Bulgaria's Progressive Bulgaria (PB) party, led by former president Rumen Radev, has claimed a decisive victory in Sunday's general election, securing at least 135 seats in the 240-member parliament with 87% of votes counted, according to the electoral commission.
Election called amid political turmoil
The snap election was triggered after the previous government attempted to pass a contentious budget in December, sparking widespread protests. Radev, then serving as president, publicly backed the demonstrations, further polarizing the political landscape.
Radev's victory speech and policy priorities
In his victory address, Radev declared that Bulgarians had rejected the "self-satisfaction and arrogance of old parties" and resisted "lies and manipulation." He pledged to build "a strong Bulgaria in a strong Europe," emphasizing the need for pragmatic action to bolster Europe's security architecture and industrial competitiveness.
"What Europe needs right now is critical thinking, pragmatic actions, and good results. That will be Bulgaria's contribution to its European mission."
Rumen Radev, Progressive Bulgaria leader
Radev's political stance and coalition prospects
Radev, a 62-year-old former Mig-29 fighter pilot and ex-commander of the Bulgarian Air Force, is viewed as a pragmatic leader with pro-Russian leanings. He has criticized EU sanctions against Russia and advocated for dialogue with the Kremlin but has stopped short of adopting the confrontational approach of Hungary's Viktor Orbán.
While he opposes direct military support for Ukraine, analysts in Sofia suggest he will adopt a nuanced position, permitting arms exports via third countries while halting direct transfers of Soviet-era equipment. His domestic agenda focuses on combating corruption and stabilizing governance after years of fragile coalitions.
Despite PB's majority, Radev will need the support of the second-place "We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria" coalition to pass critical judicial reforms, which require a two-thirds parliamentary majority. In his victory speech, he indicated openness to forming a coalition.
Bulgaria's role in European defense and Ukraine
Bulgaria has emerged as a key supplier of ammunition and explosives to Ukraine, primarily through intermediaries like neighboring Romania. The conflict has revitalized the country's arms industry, which had struggled since the Soviet era.
Radev has consistently opposed the sale of Bulgaria's Soviet-era weapons stockpile to Ukraine, arguing that such transfers prolong a war Kyiv cannot win-a stance echoing that of Hungary's outgoing prime minister, Viktor Orbán. However, his government is unlikely to block private sector arms production for Ukraine.
In October 2025, German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall announced a €1 billion joint venture with Bulgaria's VMZ factory in Sopot to produce up to 100,000 NATO-standard 155mm artillery shells annually. A separate gunpowder plant is also under construction, with Rheinmetall holding a 51% stake. Radev has positioned Bulgaria as part of Europe's expanding defense ecosystem, hosting Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger in March 2025 and visiting the company's German headquarters in August 2025.
