Rumen Radev, speaking during meetings with citizens in the towns of Krumovgrad and Momchilgrad, declared that cooperation with Boyko Borissov and Delyan Peevski is completely out of the question. The remarks were made in the context of discussions about political alliances and future governing arrangements.

According to Radev, the most serious issue facing Bulgaria is not economic hardship or social inequality, but what he described as a climate of intimidation. He said that fear has become embedded in society, with citizens pressured and “crushed” under systems of influence that resemble control by “feudal lords” and political strongmen.

He also claimed that many people express support for him privately but refuse to do so publicly, out of concern that they or their relatives could face consequences such as losing jobs or business opportunities. This, he argued, reflects a broader environment of pressure and dependency.

Radev said he is frequently asked during public meetings whether his political formation risks entering into cooperation with what he referred to as “the same people from the mafia.” He rejected this possibility entirely, stressing that there would be no coalition under any circumstances with Borisov or Peevski.

He further stated that the goal of the “Progressive Bulgaria” coalition is to dismantle what he called an entrenched oligarchic system. In his words, this also rules out any return to what he described as “shameful assemblies” or governing arrangements based on behind-the-scenes influence.

The president added that current sociological data indicates strong electoral support for his coalition, contrasting it with rival parties that, according to him, rely on mobilizing public sector employees to fill event venues. He suggested that his movement instead attracts “free citizens” who attend voluntarily.

Radev also referred back to the role of the presidency in earlier political periods, describing it as the last remaining institution capable of resisting oligarchic influence when other state structures were, in his view, compromised. He concluded that growing public trust in “Progressive Bulgaria” reflects support for ending what he characterized as an oligarchic model of governance.