Radev's Landslide Win: Bulgaria's New Political Landscape

0:00It's April 19th. Welcome to Calgary News today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Bulgaria just wrapped up its 8th General Election since 2021, and former President Roman Rodas Progressive Bulgaria Party is, dominating with a projected 129 seats in the 240-seat parliament. Radev grabbed 44% of the vote, blowing out his closest rival, ex-Prime Minister Boyko Borosov, by 30 points. Borosov already, conceded. Radev, whose long-opposed sanctions on Russia and military aid to Ukraine, stepped down as President earlier this year to run after protests toppled. Borosov's coalition. He pulled support from all sides by slamming corrupt elites and promising court clean-ups, plus better pay for working folks. Voters showed up big time, with turnout hitting 51% way up from 38% last time in October 2024. Radev called it a win for hope over distrust and freedom over fear,

1:02firing up disillusioned folks who'd sat out before. Now he's pushing to reform the Judicial Council right away, but that needs a supermajority of 160 seats. Revival, a nationalist crew wanting out of NATO snagged 12 seats at 4.3% while socialists bombed out below the 4%. Threshold leaving Radev eyeing deals to build that power. As Europe eyes cheap energy and competitiveness, Radev's Russia-friendly vibe could shake things up in the EU, especially after hungry ditched Orban. He's vowing pragmatic moves to strengthen Bulgaria's role while restoring justice at home.