"It is clear to everyone that there is a new political situation in Bulgaria and there's nothing dramatic about it," Bulgarian president-elect Rumen Radev has said.

"Despite the bluffs of powers-that-be [who predicted] an apocalypse you voted for change," he has told Bulgarians at a press conference after first exit poll results were announced.

Radev has blamed Bulgaria's Prime Minister for allowing political stability to "fall hostage to his ego." He has accused Borisov of  being "unable to imagine working with someone he cannot control." Borisov is due to resign next week to hold on to an earlier promise that he would take the step if Radev won.

"To me, this is only the beginning... of the most important mission of my life - to work for a secure and prosperous Bulgaria in which there is unity and not hatred from the past."

The newly elected head of state has vowed to work toward a waiver of EU sanctions against Russia, but has made it clear the competence to demand the step lies with the government.

Asked about his lack of experience in politics (he comes out of the Air Force ranks), he has voiced confidence about having the qualities necessary.

Radev ran as an independent, but was fully backed by the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), the biggest opposition force.

But on Sunday evening he also gave clear indications he would seek to distance himself from the socialists, openly differing in opinions with BSP head Korneliya Ninova on judicial reform and on whether Borisov is a good statesperson. Unlike Ninova, he has embraced the idea to introduce a Romanian-style anti-corruption model and has hailed Borisov's work to a certain extent.

Earlier, he described the vote result as "a victory for all Bulgarians."

He hailed the Bulgarian people for having "overcome fear", amidst a campaign from his opponent arguing Bulgaria would be pulled apart from its EU and NATO membership and destabilize the country in favour of Russia.

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