Bulgaria’s former president Rumen Radev launched his party’s election programme on March 19, vowing to dismantle entrenched oligarchic influence and drive faster economic growth ahead of April’s snap parliamentary vote.

Presenting the platform of his new Progressive Bulgaria coalition in Sofia, Radev framed his bid as a direct challenge to what he called a system of political and economic capture that has undermined public trust and stalled development.

“The oligarchic model must be dismantled or any future government will fail,” Radev said, describing a network that he claims controls state institutions, public finances, media and the judiciary, BTA reported.

The April 19 election will be Bulgaria’s eighth in five years, reflecting prolonged political instability in the European Union member state of 6.5mn people. The latest crisis followed the resignation of prime minister Rosen Zhelyazkov in December amid anti-corruption protests.

Radev, who resigned as president in January after nearly a decade in office, is emerging as a frontrunner, though polls suggest he will need coalition partners to govern.

His programme centres on two priorities: breaking oligarchic control and accelerating economic development. Measures include tighter oversight of public procurement, audits of major state contracts, limits on monopolies and the use of artificial intelligence to monitor public spending.

He also called for sweeping judicial reform, including replacing the Supreme Judicial Council and appointing a new prosecutor general, steps that would require a two-thirds parliamentary majority.

Radev pledged to intensify corruption investigations, seize illicit assets and work with foreign partners to track wealth held abroad. He also stressed the need for independent media, proposing full transparency of ownership and stronger protections for investigative journalism.

Beyond core reforms, his platform includes infrastructure investment, affordable energy, higher incomes, healthcare focused on prevention and efforts to reduce inequality.

Radev largely avoided detailed foreign policy positions, saying Bulgaria should remain committed to the European Union and NATO while defending its national interests more assertively.

Polls suggest Progressive Bulgaria is likely to emerge as the largest party, but a fragmented parliament could make forming a government difficult.