About
Rumen Georgiev Radev is a Bulgarian politician and former Bulgarian Air Force officer. He served as the president of Bulgaria from 2017. His background as a military officer shaped his approach to national security and defense policy. Radev's presidency has been marked by a focus on combating corruption and promoting closer ties with European partners. He resigned in 2026.
Career Timeline
Air Force Officer Career
Radev began his military career in the Bulgarian Air Force after the fall of communism. As a junior officer, he had no public recognition and modest military salary.
Appointed Air Force Commander
Radev rose to become Commander of the Bulgarian Air Force with the rank of Major General. This senior military position gave him national visibility and credibility on defense issues.
Elected President of Bulgaria
Running as an independent backed by the Socialist Party, Radev won the presidency with 59% in the runoff. This victory made him a household name in Bulgaria and a significant regional political figure.
Anti-Corruption Protests Support
Radev vocally supported mass anti-corruption protests against Prime Minister Borisov's government. His stance resonated with reformers and maintained his popularity as a political outsider.
Re-elected President Decisively
Radev won a second term with 66% of the vote in the runoff, the largest margin since 1989. This landslide victory confirmed his status as Bulgaria's most popular and influential political figure.
Resigned Setting Historic Precedent
Radev became the first Bulgarian president to resign from office in post-communist history. While historic, his decision ended his active political career and reduced him to well-known former leader status.
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Last updated: February 23, 2026