site.btaForeign Leaders Congratulate Rumen Radev on Election Victory

Rumen Radev on Monday received congratulations from foreign leaders on his Progressive Bulgaria coalition winning the April 19 snap parliamentary election. Congratulations were cabled by European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.

Radev's Progressive Bulgaria won 44.6% of the votes, according to Central Election Commission data based on 100% of tally sheets processed. That ensures the coalition will have a comfortable majority in the new National Assembly. 

European Council President Costa congratulated Radev in a social media post on Monday. Costa said that he looked forward to welcoming Radev again to the European Council. He added that he had spoken with him by phone earlier in the day and expected their cooperation at meetings of EU leaders to focus on shared goals for a prosperous, autonomous, and secure Europe. "I wish you all the best in your new function," Costa wrote on X.

In her address on X, European Commission President von der Leyen wrote: "Congratulations to Rumen Radev on his victory in the parliamentary elections. Bulgaria is a proud member of the European family and plays an important role in tackling our common challenges. I look forward to working together, for the prosperity and security of Bulgaria and Europe."

NATO Secretary General Rutte posted on X that he had spoken to Radev following his election win, and is looking forward to "continued cooperation on shared security challenges."

In a post on X on Monday, Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan congratulated Radev and stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation, according to Ziare. Bolojan said he looked forward to further strengthening the strategic partnership between Romania and Bulgaria, as well as promoting cooperation within the EU and NATO. The Romanian Prime Minister also highlighted the need to develop regional connectivity at a time when shared infrastructure and economic ties between the two countries are becoming increasingly important priorities, the website noted.