“As in Hungary”: Radev Calls for 80% Vote to Oust Borissov and Peevski

Speaking in Asenovgrad, the leader of “Progressive Bulgaria” Rumen Radev said that a high voter turnout could fundamentally reshape the political landscape, arguing that mass participation would lead to the removal of Boyko Borissov and Delyan Peevski from public life.

“We will remove Borissov and Peevski from the political scene forever if 80% of the people come out to vote, as happened in Hungary,” Radev told journalists, adding that such a scenario would bring a decisive political shift.

He described growing public engagement during the campaign, saying that citizens are increasingly overcoming fear and political apathy. According to him, a large turnout on April 19 would signal a clear mandate for change. “I see how Bulgaria is starting to rise,” he said, pointing to what he described as strong attendance at campaign events compared to his opponents.

Radev also claimed that his coalition’s meetings attract full halls and squares, unlike rival parties, which he said rely mainly on party structures and administrative support. He argued that this difference reflects a broader public desire for change.

Outlining his political priorities, he reiterated that the coalition’s program focuses on dismantling what he called an oligarchic governance model, cutting financial flows linked to it, and strengthening the rule of law.

“Our goal is to create conditions for accelerated economic growth and release the entrepreneurship of Bulgarians, who will invest in their dreams,” Radev said, stressing that economic activity should be directed away from property speculation and toward productive investment.