Former President Radev warns of regional instability and migration risks to Bulgarian national security

Former Bulgarian President Rumen Radev criticizes the caretaker government for its passive response to the Middle East war and calls for urgent security reviews.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 3:56 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Bulgarian News Agency (BTA)

Criticism of Caretaker Cabinet Response

In a public statement issued on Wednesday, former President Rumen Radev criticized what he described as the "passive behavior" of the current caretaker government. Radev asserted that the administration is downplaying the significant risks posed by the escalating war in the Persian Gulf. Given Bulgaria's geographical proximity to two major armed conflicts, the former leader argued that the government's failure to take proactive measures is a cause for national concern as the regional war continues to expand.

Energy Security and Resource Reserves

The conflict has already triggered a sharp rise in global prices for oil and natural gas, commodities that Radev believes are unlikely to return to previous levels in the near future. He urged the government to conduct an immediate audit of Bulgaria's crude oil, liquid fuel, and natural gas reserves. Highlighting the vulnerability of European supply chains, Radev emphasized that the risk of shortages is real and must be mitigated through the review of the entire nomenclature of the State Reserve to protect all sectors of the national economy.

Migration Pressure and Border Protection

As the war enters its fifth day, Radev warned that the instability is expected to trigger a new wave of migration from the Middle East. As the first European country along several major migration routes, Bulgaria is particularly vulnerable to increased pressure on its state borders. The former President called for the government to raise this issue at the next European Council meeting to secure regional coordination. He also demanded an update to existing plans for enhanced border protection and a rigorous review of anti terrorism strategies to manage potential threats.