Pro-Russia Candidate Wins Bulgaria's Presidential Election

Reuters: Russia-friendly political novice wins Bulgaria presidential election: exit polls

Bulgarian Socialist ally Rumen Radev, a Russia-friendly newcomer to politics, won Sunday's presidential election by a wide margin, exit polls showed, prompting centre-right Prime Minister Boiko Borisov to pledge to resign.

Radev, 53, entered Bulgarian politics on a wave of discontent with the ruling centre-right's progress in combating corruption, disappointment with the European Union and concerns among voters over alienating an increasingly assertive Russia.

A former air force commander, Radev has argued Bulgaria needs to be pragmatic in balancing the requirements of its European Union and NATO memberships while seeking ways to benefit from a relationship with Moscow.

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Update #1: Pro-Russia Candidate Appears Likely to Win Bulgarian Presidency (NYT)
Update #2: Pro-Russia candidate wins Bulgaria's presidential run-off (Euronews)

WNU Editor: The President's post is largely ceremonial, but it has already resulted in the resignation of the Prime Minister, and the collapse of the government .... Bulgarian PM resigning after his party loses presidency (AP).