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Bulgarian Parliament Elects Rumen Radew Prime Minister, Backs Single-Party Cabinet

The new majority now must pass the 2026 budget to unlock EU recovery money.

Overview

  • Radew, elected Friday with 124 votes in Sofia, took office after the caretaker cabinet made way for his new government.
  • Lawmakers also approved his ministers with 122 votes, giving Progressives Bulgaria sole control after winning about 44.6% of the April vote and roughly 131 of 240 seats.
  • Radew set immediate goals to pass a 2026 budget, secure EU recovery funds tied to justice changes, curb high prices, and start court reforms.
  • He addressed concern over his Russia-friendly image by pledging to defend Bulgarian interests inside the EU and NATO and by saying he would not block common decisions on Russia and Ukraine.
  • The change follows eight parliamentary elections in five years in the EU’s poorest member state, raising hopes for steady rule and cleaner public life.