Radev: Limiting Voting Abroad is an Attempt to Preserve Power

06.02.2026 | Domestic policy

Rumen Radev criticized the changes to the Electoral Code that restrict voting abroad. According to him, this is a step towards limiting democratic rights and exposes attempts to maintain ties with Bulgarians abroad. Radev calls for the protection of democracy.

Снимка от Cheep, Wikimedia Commons, под лиценз CC BY 2.5 bg

The political status quo has decided to limit the opportunities for our compatriots abroad to vote. This is another step in its attempts to retain power by restricting democratic rights. This was written by Rumen Radev (President from 2017-2026) on his Facebook profile in connection with the changes to the Election Code adopted by the National Assembly.

The decision of the parliament also exposes any claim that it is trying to preserve and develop connections and a sense of community with Bulgarians abroad. But elections are coming. It is up to us to regain our rights. To defend democracy, Radev also points out. 

The Parliament finally adopted last night on second reading the amendment to the Election Code, according to which in countries that are not members of the European Union (EU), up to 20 polling stations can be formed outside Bulgarian diplomatic and consular missions in the respective country. 

BTA recalls that on January 23, the Constitutional Court terminated the powers of Rumen Radev as head of state, after his resignation, and later the same day he left the institution.