Simeon II, the former King of Bulgaria, has returned to power after his recently launched political party secured nearly 45 per cent of the popular vote in Sunday’s general election. Simeon II, who returned to the country earlier this year following more than 50 years of exile, is the region’s first monarch to return to power since the collapse of communism in 1989.
It is unclear what role Simeon will play in the new government: some believe he may prefer to work behind the scenes rather than become prime minister. Simeon declined to comment, saying: “We are not talking about my political future. Something unique and unprecedented has happened.”
The 64-year-old leader started the National Movement for Simeon II party two months ago and has vowed to take the country into the European Union and NATO. His party, campaigning on an anti-corruption platform, easily defeated the conservative United Democratic Forces government led by Ivan Kostov. Bulgaria has been in poor economic shape since a 1996-1997 crisis, a factor which also featured prominently in the election.
“We have taken a lot of unpopular decisions and also made mistakes,” said Prime Minister Kostov. “We wanted the voter to pay a higher price than he was prepared to pay.”
Simeon ruled as a young child following the death of his father, Boris III, in 1943. However, the Moscow-backed communists forced the boy king into exile when he was only nine. He eventually settled in Madrid where he married and worked as a successful business consultant.
He first returned to his homeland in 1996 to rapturous applause from the Belgarians. Five years later his popularity has only grown.
The official certified results are expected on Wednesday.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
