SOFIA, March 2 (Reuters) - Bulgaria’s former President Rumen Radev has registered a party to run in parliamentary elections on April 19, he said on his X profile on Monday. (Reporting by Ivana
Bulgaria's popular ex-president sets up alliance to run in April 19 election
Progressive Bulgaria Alliance and the Upcoming Parliamentary Election
Formation of the Progressive Bulgaria Alliance
SOFIA, March 2 (Reuters) - Bulgaria’s former President Rumen Radev has registered a three-party political alliance called Progressive Bulgaria to run in a parliamentary election on April 19, the country's eighth in seven years, he said on Monday.
Radev's Popularity and Political Influence
Radev, who stepped down from his mostly ceremonial role in January, is one of the most popular politicians in Bulgaria, and polls forecast that his coalition could get more than 30% of the vote.
Behind-the-Scenes Role During Instability
Before resigning nearly a year early, Radev had wielded considerable behind-the scenes influence during a period of political instability that saw the latest government collapse on December 11.
Government Resignation and Public Protests
The government resigned following weeks of street protests over tax hikes and its perceived failure to tackle corruption.
Alliance Goals and Party Composition
Radev's Vision for Progressive Bulgaria
"'Progressive Bulgaria' is the answer to the expectations of Bulgarians for dismantling the oligarchic corruption model. In order to succeed, we will fight for a decisive victory and it depends on the voice of all Bulgarians," Radev wrote in a Facebook post.
Parties within the Alliance
Our People Movement
Social Democratic Party
Socialdemocrats Political Movement
Progressive Bulgaria brings together the left-leaning parties Our People Movement, Social Democratic Party, and political movement Socialdemocrats.
Context: Bulgaria's Political Landscape
Bulgaria, which joined the euro zone on January 1, has faced prolonged political instability, with parties unable to form stable ruling coalitions since 2021 in a fragmented parliament.
(Reporting by Alex Lefkowiz; Ivana Sekularac; editing by Edward McAllister and Andrei Khalip)
