President Radev Becomes Citizen Radev

UPDATED President Radev Becomes Citizen Radev

Sofia Gospodinova, Borislava Bibinovska

Rumen Radev leaves the President's Administration together with Iliana Iotova, who succeeded him as head of State after his resignation, Sofia, January 23, 2026 (BTA Photo/Blagoy Kirilov)

Sofia,

23.01.2026 16:38 | UPDATED 23.01.2026 18:27

(BTA)

Rumen Radev walked out of the President's Administration Friday and became "citizen Radev", to use his own words, following a Constitutional Court confirmation of his resignation. “Today was my last day as President and my first as a citizen who, like all Bulgarians, believes that together we can change Bulgaria,” he said to a large crowd of press and citizens who had gathered to meet him.

The former President is now expected to go into party politics and run in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Radev announced his resignation on January 19 in a televised address to the Bulgarian people. Earlier on Friday, the Constitutional Court issued a ruling declaring that Radev’s presidential powers would terminate early, with immediate effect. The decision is final and entered into force on January 23.

Speaking outside the presidential offices, Radev reflected on his nine years in office, saying he was grateful to Bulgarians for entrusting him with the presidency and for their continued support.

Radev has been the first Bulgarian President to resign.

His powers were assumed by Vice President Iliana Iotova.

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