Bulgarian ex-president Rumen Radev, an EU critic who has called for renewing ties with Russia, took an absolute majority in parliamentary elections that could spell an end to the country’s half-decade of political uncertainty, according to near complete vote results on Monday.
The European Union’s poorest member has experienced eight votes since 2021, when anti-graft rallies brought down the conservative administration of long-time pro-European leader Boyko Borissov.
The Kremlin was quick to applaud Radev.
“Evidently we look favourably upon Radev’s words (regarding closer ties with Moscow) … as well as those of certain other European leaders regarding their commitment to resolving issues through dialogue,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said “Bulgaria is a proud member of the European family and plays an important role in tackling our common challenges”, adding: “I look forward to working together”.
Radev,…
