Why did Radev resign?

1. A country in chronic crisis — the proximate trigger

The immediate context for Radev’s decision was months of political instability that culminated in large anti‑corruption protests and the December resignation of the governing coalition, leaving Bulgaria heading to what would be its eighth parliamentary election in a few years ^{[1] [5]}. Reporters stress that a fragmented parliament and successive failed coalitions created a power vacuum and public anger over alleged corruption and an unpopular budget, framing the protests that enhanced pressure on the political class ^{[2] [6]}.

2. From ceremonial office to electoral contestant — the strategic rationale

Multiple outlets and analysts interpret Radev’s step down as a deliberate repositioning to contest parliamentary politics: he has repeatedly hinted he might participate in elections and his resignation “fuels speculation” that he intends to form a party and run for prime minister or lead a bloc in snap polls ^{[2] [7]}. Polling cited by commentators suggests Radev enjoys comparatively high public trust, making a transition from the largely ceremonial presidency to a party leader a plausible path to channel protest energy into votes ^{[8] [4]}.

3. The rhetoric: blaming the political class and invoking a new social contract

In his televised address and subsequent statements, Radev framed the resignation as a moral and political rebuke: he accused the political class of betraying voters and said Bulgaria’s institutional milestones — including eurozone entry — had not delivered domestic stability or trust, calling for a “new public contract” ^{[4] [9]}. That framing aligns with his long‑running anti‑corruption posture and casts the move as principled defiance rather than mere ambition, a claim reflected in domestic and regional coverage ^{[6] [3]}.

4. Legal mechanics and electoral timing — how the resignation works

Constitutionally, Radev’s resignation must be validated by the Constitutional Court to take effect, and meanwhile the vice‑president is expected to assume presidential duties until elections or the end of the term ^{[2] [10]}. Media analysis notes the timing accelerates the race for parliamentary seats and raises questions about when and how Radev might formalize a party structure — a tactical consideration given that snap elections are imminent and coalitions will matter in a fragmented landscape ^{[11] [8]}.

5. Opposition, foreign policy implications and competing narratives

Opponents and international commentators warn that Radev’s shift could reshape Bulgaria’s domestic balance and foreign policy: his past stances — including skepticism about eurozone benefits and cautious views on Ukraine policy — lead critics to label him “pro‑Russian” and worry about a different trajectory if he leads government formation ^{[6] [12]}. Supporters portray the move as justified resistance to entrenched elites; analysts and diplomats quoted in coverage, however, caution that even with strong support he would likely need coalition partners and cannot guarantee a majority ^{[2] [8]}.

6. What remains unclear and why interpretation matters

Reporting consistently ties Radev’s resignation to both principled protest politics and strategic opportunism, but available sources do not definitively prove his ultimate motive beyond his public statements and widespread speculation that he will form a party and run ^{[7] [1]}. Given the polarized stakes — anti‑corruption momentum, institutional procedures, and geopolitically sensitive policy preferences — assessments of whether this is a necessary democratic intervention or political ambition dressed as principle depend on future electoral outcomes and the Constitutional Court’s ruling ^{[10] [5]}.