Pro-Russia Radev set for Bulgaria presidency

Bulgaria faces an uncertain future after Pro-Moscow Socialist candidate Rumen Radev won the Balkan country’s presidential election runoff, prompting the resignation of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov

Rumen Radev

Born: June 18, 1963 in Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria

Background: Former air force commander, quit his post to run in election as Socialist party candidate 

Alliances: Pledges to comply with Bulgaria’s obligations to Europe and NATO but wants closer ties with Russia and lifting of EU sanctions against Moscow

Immigration: Vows not to let Bulgaria become “migrant ghetto”and advocates tougher border security measures

Powers: Most key decisions taken by Prime Minister and Parliament,but President leads armed forces and can veto legislation, sign international treaties and appoint top security and judicial officials

REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

Population: 7.2m

Area: 110,994 square km

GDP: $48.95 billion (2015)

SERBIA 
GREECE
ROMANIA
100km 60 miles
BULGARIA
Sofia
MACEDONIA
TURKEY
Black Sea

Recent history: Joined EU in 2007 –remains bloc’s poorest member, with disillusionment fuelled by slow paceof reforms. Many people share deep historical and cultural ties with Moscow. Bulgaria also heavily reliant
on Russian gas supplies

Election result (partial): 59.4% for Radev, 36.2% for ruling centre-right party candidate Tsetska Tsacheva. Radev takes office on Jan 22 for five-year term – will likely callearly elections after refusal of Borisov (right) to form interim government

Sources: Wire agencies, World Bank 
Pictures: Associated Press