Rumen Radev left „Dondukov” 2, sent by the already acting president Iliana Yotova. This happened exactly at 4:00 p.m., and his supporters gathered in front of the Presidency building, reports Nova TV.
„I am glad that 9 years ago the Bulgarians voted for me and their support continues. You see how many people came to the Presidency today. It is truly exciting. For me, this emotion is more precious than any sociology. Today was my last day as president, but the first day as a citizen who, along with all Bulgarians, believes that with joint efforts we can change Bulgaria. To protect democracy, to uphold the law, to accelerate economic development, so that each of us feels protected, free and a worthy citizen of European Bulgaria. I want to tell you, when you talk about the upcoming elections, that they cannot stop the wave, because we are many and we are together. Our cause is common. It is Bulgaria. It was an honor for me”, Radev told journalists, minutes after leaving the building.
Radev's resignation was accepted earlier today by the Constitutional Court, and the rapporteur on the case is the president of the court, Pavlina Panova. The court's task was only to establish that this was his personal expression of will, and not made under pressure. Since this is not an impeachment proceeding, there is no need for Rumen Radev to appear at a court hearing or for an investigation to be conducted.
We recall that Radev made an address to the Bulgarian people on January 19, in which he announced his resignation, which would be filed with the Constitutional Court the next day. His decision was a precedent in the history of Bulgaria.
- Rumen Radev's political career
Rumen Radev is a Bulgarian Major General in the Air Force. He rose to the position of Commander of the Air Force.
In the elections held in November 2016, he was elected President of the Republic of Bulgaria. He was sworn in before the National Assembly on January 19, 2017, and on January 22, 2017, he took office for a five-year term, together with Iliana Yotova as Vice President.
In November 2021, they won the runoff elections again and began their second term. Radev is the first president in the country's democratic history to resign.
And now their second term will be completed only by Iliana Yotova, who will be, in addition to being president, the first female Supreme Commander of our armed forces. She will not have a deputy.