Rumen Radev

Rumen Radev
Bulgarian Presidency · CC BY 2.5 bg · source
Name	Rumen Radev
Caption	Rumen Radev in 2022
Office	President of Bulgaria
Term start	22 January 2017
Predecessor	Rossen Plevneliev
Birth date	18 June 1963
Birth place	Dimitrovgrad, People's Republic of Bulgaria
Party	Independent
Spouse	Desislava Radeva (m. 2016)
Alma mater	Georgi Benkovski Air Force Academy, Vasil Levski National Military University, Air War College
Branch	Bulgarian Air Force
Serviceyears	1987–2016
Rank	Major general
Battles	Balkan Wars

Rumen Radev is a Bulgarian politician and former military officer who has served as the President of Bulgaria since 2017. Elected as an independent candidate supported by the Bulgarian Socialist Party, he succeeded Rossen Plevneliev and was re-elected for a second term in 2021. His presidency has been marked by significant political turbulence, frequent vetoes of legislation, and a pronounced role as a critic of successive governments in Sofia.

Early life and education

Radev was born in Dimitrovgrad during the era of the People's Republic of Bulgaria. He graduated from the Georgi Benkovski Air Force Academy in 1987, laying the foundation for his future military service. He furthered his education at the Vasil Levski National Military University, earning a master's degree in strategic planning, and later attended the prestigious Air War College in the United States.

Military career

Commissioned as a fighter pilot, Radev rose through the ranks of the Bulgarian Air Force, eventually becoming its commander in 2014. His tenure oversaw the integration of new NATO-standard equipment and participation in allied exercises. He retired with the rank of major general in 2016 to pursue the presidency, following a career that included studies at the Rakovski Defence and Staff College and a role in Bulgaria's contributions to the Balkan Wars.

Presidency

Radev won the 2016 Bulgarian presidential election, defeating GERB candidate Tsetska Tsacheva in a runoff. He took office in January 2017, immediately creating tension with Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and leading to the resignation of the GERB government. His first term was characterized by frequent use of the presidential veto on legislation from the National Assembly and vocal opposition to policies on issues like judicial reform and corruption. He was re-elected in the 2021 Bulgarian presidential election, defeating Anastas Gerdzhikov. During the prolonged political crises between 2021 and 2023, he appointed several caretaker governments, including those led by Stefan Yanev and Galab Donev, and was a staunch critic of the coalition government of Kiril Petkov.

Political positions and views

Politically, Radev advocates for stronger ties with Russia and has been a skeptic of deeper European Union integration in certain areas, particularly regarding energy and defense. He has consistently opposed sending military aid to Ukraine following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, positioning himself against the consensus within NATO and the EU. His views often align with a nationalist and sovereigntist platform, criticizing the influence of foreign capital in Bulgaria and calling for a more independent foreign policy, which has brought him into conflict with the European Commission and other member states.

Personal life

Radev is married to Desislava Radeva, a professor and immunologist; the couple has two children. An accomplished pilot, he maintains a strong interest in aviation and military history. He is also known as a classical music enthusiast and has participated in public cultural events at venues like the National Palace of Culture in Sofia.

Category:Presidents of Bulgaria Category:1963 births Category:Living people