Radev's Progressive Bulgaria Wins Election

0:00On April 19, exit polls from Bulgaria's latest parliamentary election show, the center left progressive Bulgaria coalition led by former president. Ruman Radev, coming out on top with 39.2% of the vote. That's a big lead over the center. Right jurd party, which pulled in about 15.1%. Even with that edge, Radev's drew won't have enough seats for a solo government, so he'll need to round up coalition partners in a parliament that's... And... looking pretty split. Voter turnout hit 43.4%, and six parties are expected to clear the 4% hurdle to get in. This marks Bulgaria's eighth election in just five years, all thanks to a nasty political deadlock. The snap boat came after a conservative government quit, last December amid massive protests, where hundreds of thousands, mostly young folks, hit the call. Streets demanding an end to corruption and a real independent judiciary. Radev, a 62-year-old ex-fighter pilot, stepped down from the presidency early this year to chase the prime minister spot.

1:03He's pitching a clean break from the old corrupt system, tied to oligarchs and mafia influence, though his pro-Russian and Euroskeptic stance has his, backers divided. If official results lock this in, Bulgaria could shift toward a left-leaning, Moscow-friendly leader, right on the heels of Hungary turning away from. Similar far-right vibes. Keep an eye on those coalition talks. They'll shape what's next for this Balkan hotspot. U.S. News Today, powered by AI bringing you what matters nationwide. I'm Corey, with the story.