Fact Check: Claims Regarding Rumen Radev's Election as Prime Minister of Bulgaria

Clarification on Bulgarian Political Leadership

Recent claims circulating regarding the election of Rumen Radev as the Prime Minister of Bulgaria are inaccurate. As of May 2026, Rumen Radev continues to serve as the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, a position he has held since January 2017.

Current Status of the Presidency

The Bulgarian Constitution strictly separates the roles of the President and the Prime Minister. Rumen Radev was re-elected for a second five-year term in November 2021. There is no constitutional provision or recent parliamentary action that has resulted in his transition to the role of head of government.

Political Context in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has experienced a period of significant political instability, characterized by multiple parliamentary elections and the formation of various caretaker governments. While the country has faced ongoing challenges regarding economic policy and governance, the leadership structure remains defined by the following:

• President: Rumen Radev
• Government: The executive branch is led by the Prime Minister, who is appointed following parliamentary negotiations or elections.

Conclusion

Reports stating that the Bulgarian Parliament has elected Rumen Radev as Prime Minister are false. Official government records and parliamentary proceedings confirm that he remains the sitting President. Any information suggesting a change in his official capacity is not supported by factual evidence or official announcements from the National Assembly of Bulgaria.