Bulgaria's Radev 'Benefited from Popular Resentment against Coalition' - FT

President-elect Rumen Radev has largely benefited from a "groundswell of popular resentment against the GERB-led coalition" in Bulgaria, the Financial Times has said, citing analysts.

Its report on Bulgaria's presidential runoff, won by socialist-backed Radev (running as independent, but endorsed by the opposition BSP), comes after the resignation of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and his GERB party's coalition over the vote results.

The FT notes that Borisov, "a former bodyguard and black belt in karate who became mayor of Sofia, has recently lost popularity over his high­handed style of governing during Gerb’s two terms in office."

Radev, accused by opponents of being pro-Russian, is quoted as telling the newspaper: "Our political future is the European Union and I’ll do my best that we as Europeans are stronger and more effective together.”

“This wasn’t only a protest vote, it was a vote for a change of model. The Bulgarians have shown they don’t want to be part of a one­man show any more,” Kancho Stoychev, of Gallup International Balkan pollster, is quoted as saying.

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