Elections

Bulgaria’s Former President Seeks to Turn Popularity Into Power

Rumen Radev has been a critic of the EU and made overtures to Russia. His new party is leading the polls before Sunday’s election.

Rumen Radev at his final campaign rally in Sofia, on April 16.Photographer: Michaela Vatcheva/Bloomberg

In a packed sports hall in the ancient city of Plovdiv, Rumen Radev warmed to his theme as he launched his election campaign: It’s time get rid of corruption and set Bulgaria on a new course, he said.

“Our goal is clear — take down the oligarchy,” the former president told the crowd of some 3,000 people on March 21. “Let’s take back the country, strengthen law, strengthen democracy and civil liberties.”