Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has announced his resignation during a televised address to the nation, stating that he will officially step down from his post on Tuesday.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the head of state confirmed his decision via Bulgarian National Television, noting that he will formally submit his resignation letter tomorrow. Radev specified that following his departure, Vice President Iliana Iotova will assume the duties and powers of the head of state. "We were united by a common goal. I am confident that Iliana Iotova will be a worthy head of state," Radev added, emphasizing the productive cooperation they shared during their nine years of joint activity.
Rumen Radev has held the Bulgarian presidency since 2017 and was re-elected for a second term in 2021. Before entering politics, he was a professional military officer, serving as a Major General and the Commander of the Bulgarian Air Force. Under the Bulgarian Constitution, the Vice President takes over presidential duties until new elections are held. This resignation occurs against a backdrop of a prolonged political crisis in Bulgaria, marked by frequent snap elections and persistent challenges in forming a stable government. Relations between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria have strengthened significantly during Radev's tenure, particularly in the energy sector through the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB), which facilitates the transport of Azerbaijani gas to Europe.
