The latest election in Bulgaria has delivered a striking result. Former President Rumen Radev’s party, Progressive Bulgaria, secured a commanding 44.5% of the vote, far ahead of its rivals. The once-dominant GERB–SDS alliance trailed in second place with 13.3%, followed by the We Continue the Change/Democratic Bulgaria coalition on 12.6%. While coalition talks are still required, the outcome leaves little doubt about the direction of Bulgarian politics.

Radev’s decision to resign from the largely ceremonial presidency in January in order to contest the parliamentary election, the eighth in five years, has paid off. His victory reflects not only personal popularity but also a broader shift in public sentiment.…