April 20 (UPI) -- Former president Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria Party has emerged on top in the country's eighth general election since 2021, winning a parliamentary majority of at least 135 with most of the seats counted.
The 62-year-old, who has called for friendlier relations with Russia, been critical of European Union sanctions over Ukraine and joined Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in opposing a $105 billion loan to Kyiv, roundly beat the ruling Democratic Bulgaria-People's Party coalition and the GERB party in Sunday's poll.
The election was called after Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov resigned Dec. 11, shortly before a no-confidence vote called by the opposition ahead of the country's accession to the Eurozone on Jan. 1.
Efforts by the administration to push through a budget in December saw hundreds of thousands come out onto the streets demanding the government stand down.
"People rejected the self-satisfaction and arrogance of old parties and did not fall prey to lies and manipulation. I thank them for their trust," Radev said, in a victory speech in which he vowed to deliver a "strong Bulgaria in a strong Europe."
