By Tsvetelia Tsolova

SOFIA, Reuters – Rumen Radev of Bulgaria won a second term as President on Sunday. The strong anti-corruption message was supported by voters from the EU’s most poor country. Exit polls revealed.

Radev, who is 58 years old, beat Anastas Gedzhikov, 58. He won 66% to 32%, after almost winning the presidential race in round one on Nov 14 according to exit polls.

These elections are taking place in the face of widespread anger against high levels of corruption. They ended the decade-long rule by Boyko Borissov, who was elected as former premier.

Radev, exuberant, told reporters following the vote that “an unprecedented political month ended with two types elections. This clearly highlighted people’s desire for change to end corruption, robbery, unlawfulness, and bring the mafia off the power.”

While the presidency is predominantly ceremonial in nature, it can have a significant impact on public opinion. In times of crisis or political instability, the president can make an impact by appointing interim cabinet members.

Radev, an ex-air-force commander, gained popularity because he supported massive anti-graft protests in 2020 against Borissov and for appointing interim government that exposed the murky public procuring deals between Borissov’s former centre-right Cabinet. Borissov denied any wrongdoing.

“Radev’s victory reaffirms our desire to see change in Bulgaria.” According to Daniel Smilov of Centre for Liberal Strategies, a political analyst and strategist at Centre for Liberal Strategies, his reelection will allow for the formation of coalition governments.

Gerdzhikov (the Sofia University rector backed Borissov’s GERB party), conceded defeat, and said that he regrets not being able to unite Bulgarians.

Radev and two Harvard-educated entrepreneurs Radev were appointed interim ministers in May. They have since founded the We Continue The Change party, which won Bulgaria’s third annual national election on Nov. 14. It pledges “zero” corruption.

Borissov is supporting Radev. PP, Socialists, and Anti-Elite ITN parties are in talks with Radev to form a government.

Radev, in his first remarks after the election, addressed all parties and urged them to form a government, kick-start reforms, fight the coronavirus pandemic, and protect vulnerable people from high energy prices.

Radev will begin his second 5-year term on January 22.