Rumen
Radev

Rumen Radev is the fifth democratically elected President of the Republic of Bulgaria. He won a second consecutive term in the 2021 Bulgarian General Election, with 66% of the vote in the second round.

 

He was born on 18 June 1963 in Dimitrovgrad.

​

He graduated from the High School of Mathematics in Haskovo with a gold medal in 1982. Rumen Radev took his University Degree at the Air Force Academy in Dolna Mitropolia as the top graduate.

​

In 1992 he successfully completed the Air Force Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, USA. From 1994 to 1996 Rumen Radev attended the Command and Staff College – G.S.Rakovski National Defence Academy, Bulgaria, and graduated as the top graduate.

​

In 2000 Rumen Radev was awarded PhD in Military Science, majoring in ‘Enhancing the Tactical Training of Aircrews and Air Combat Simulations’.

​

In 2003 Rumen Radev completed the Air War College, Maxwell AFB, USA, as a distinguished graduate and took Master’s Degree in ‘Strategic Studies’. His name is written on the Glory Alley of the Air War College.

​

Rumen Radev is a First Class pilot with more than 1400 flight hours.

​

He is a MiG-29 Instructor and Demo-pilot and was promoted a Major General. During 2014-2016 Rumen Radev was Commander of the Bulgarian Air Force. In November 2016 Rumen Radev was elected President of the Republic of Bulgaria in direct elections, gaining over 60% support of the Bulgarian voters.

 

He is fluent in English, German and Russian language.