Bulgaria's Political Crisis Ends as Radev Gets Mandate

Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova has announced that she will hand the mandate to form a new government to the Progressive Bulgaria (PB) party on 7 May. The party, led by former president Rumen Radev, won 44.6% of the vote in recent parliamentary elections, a margin that allows it to govern without coalition partners.

Iotova said she expected the cabinet formation process to move quickly, noting that PB had assured her the draft government was ready. Parliament could confirm the cabinet as early as 8 May.

The PB victory ends a prolonged period of political instability during which Bulgaria has held eight elections in five years. The party has named Radev as its candidate for prime minister.

Radev, a former fighter pilot, is known for his Eurosceptic views and opposition to further military support for Ukraine. He resigned as president in January to run for a parliamentary seat following the collapse of the previous government amid mass protests.

(reuters, max)