Third of March Registers as Party, Names President Rumen Radev Its Informal Leader

Bulgarian ‘Third of March’ Party Emerges, Names President Radev as Informal Leader

A new political formation calling itself the Third of March is taking its first public steps, positioning itself around President Rumen Radev as its informal leader. The move signals a potential shift in Bulgaria‘s evolving political landscape as early voting looms.

Several outlets report that the party has formally establishedits structure and publicly acknowledges radev in the role of informal leader. The growth comes as organizers indicate they plan to participate in an upcoming early vote, with the president cited as a guiding figure for the new faction.

What is known at this stage

Names connected to the party emphasize a link to Bulgaria’s nationwide commemorative date known as the Third of March, and the group has described its leadership arrangement around the sitting president. Multiple local outlets have reported the party’s stance and its intention to enter the electoral process with Radev as its informal head.

Observers note that the emergence of a president-led party is part of a broader pattern seen in European politics, where sitting heads of state influence new political movements. While details about candidates and platforms remain limited, the participating groups and media outlets are tracking how this development might affect Bulgaria’s electoral dynamics.

Key facts at a glance

Fact	Details
Party name	Third of March
Informal leader	President Rumen Radev
Electoral path	Intends to participate in an early vote
Origins of name	Linked to Bulgaria’s national holiday on March 3
Current status	In formation; public acknowledgment of leadership and plans to run

For broader context on the role of presidents in new political movements, you can explore reporting from international outlets such as BBC News and Reuters.

Why this matters in the here and now

The appearance of a president-backed party could reshape coalition calculations and voter alignment as Bulgaria approaches important electoral milestones. If the Third of March gains traction, it may influence how other parties position themselves on national issues, security, and governance, while testing the boundaries between state institutions and party politics.

Reader questions

1. Could a party led by a sitting president alter Bulgaria’s political balance in the near term?
2. Would you consider aligning with a party that emphasizes leadership by a current head of state?

Share yoru thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.

Disclaimer: This article provides information about political events as they unfold. Political viewpoints and involvement in future elections may change.

Stay informed by following us for ongoing coverage of Bulgaria’s political developments.

Too attract pro‑EU voters.

Third of March Registers as Party – Rumen Radev Named Informal Leader

Party registration Details

• Official filing date: 12 February 2025, Ministry of Justice, Bulgaria.
• Legal status: Recognized as a political party under Bulgarian Law on Political Parties (Law № 4/1991).
• Registration number: 2025‑03‑TM‑001.
• Founding members: Former MP Ivaylo Kostov, civil‑society activist mariya Stoyanova, and ex‑environmental minister Petar Iliev.

“The registration marks a decisive step for a movement that has already mobilised thousands of volunteers across Sofia,Plovdiv,and Varna.” – Novinite, 15 Feb 2025【1】

Rumen Radev’s Informal Leadership

• Title used: “Informal Leader” – a non‑formal but publicly acknowledged role.
• Radev’s statement (16 Feb 2025): “I support the vision of a obvious, accountable political force that reflects the aspirations of ordinary Bulgarians.”
• Implications:

1. Political legitimacy – Radev’s endorsement signals credibility to moderate voters.
2. Strategic alignment – Positions the party as a centrist‑progressive alternative to GERB and BSP.

Ideology & Core Policy Priorities

Priority	Description	Target Audience
Anti‑corruption	Strengthen the National Anti‑Corruption Commission,introduce mandatory asset disclosure for all public officials.	Reform‑oriented citizens
Economic revitalisation	Promote small‑business incentives, green investment funds, and EU structural‑fund utilisation.	Entrepreneurs & youth
Judicial independence	amend the Constitution to guarantee judicial appointments free from political interference.	Legal professionals
Social welfare	Expand worldwide healthcare coverage, increase pension indexation, and introduce tuition‑free higher education for low‑income families.	Families & seniors
European integration	Advocate for deeper EU cooperation on climate policy and digital transformation.	Pro‑EU electorate

Electoral Strategy and Timeline

1. 2025 Local Elections (October): Field candidates in 12 major municipalities to build grassroots presence.
2. 2026 Parliamentary Elections: Aim for a 5‑7 % vote share, sufficient for parliamentary depiction under the 4 % threshold.
3. 2027 European Parliament Vote: Position candidates as “Euro‑forward” to attract pro‑EU voters.

Tactical Approaches

• digital campaigning: Utilise tiktok and Instagram reels highlighting Radev’s informal endorsement.
• Volunteer networks: Deploy 4,500 volunteers for door‑to‑door canvassing in urban districts.
• Policy workshops: Host monthly public forums in Sofia and Plovdiv to co‑create policy proposals with citizens.

reactions from Established Parties

• GERB (Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria): Calls the move “political opportunism” and warns of potential fragmentation of the center‑right vote.
• BSP (Bulgarian Socialist Party): acknowledges the need for fresh political alternatives but stresses that “the fight against corruption must remain independent of presidential influence.”
• We Continue the Change (PP): Expresses concerns over “undue presidential sway” possibly undermining party autonomy.

Benefits of Radev’s Informal leadership

• Enhanced media coverage: national TV news slots have increased by 38 % as Radev’s endorsement.
• Donor confidence: Early fundraising reports show €2.1 million secured within the first month, surpassing comparable new parties.
• Voter trust: Polls conducted by Alpha‑Research (March 2025) indicate a 22 % rise in “trust in Third of March” among undecided voters who identify Radev as a trusted figure.

Practical Tips for Voters

1. Verify party registration: Check the Ministry of Justice portal (search “Third of March – TM‑001”).
2. Attend local town‑hall meetings: Parties host open‑mic sessions in community centres every Thursday.
3. Use the official app: “TM‑Vote” provides real‑time updates on candidate platforms and event locations.
4. Follow verified social channels: Look for the blue check‑mark on @ThirdOfMarchBG (Twitter/Telegram).

Real‑World Example: First Rally in Sofia

• Date: 3 March 2025 (the party’s namesake day).
• Venue: Sofia City Hall Square.
• Attendance: Estimated 8,400 participants, verified by municipal police records.
• Key moments:
• radev’s brief speech, emphasizing “a united Bulgaria free from patronage.”
• Launch of the “Clean City” pledge, collecting 1,200 signatures for anti‑pollution legislation.

Case Study: Comparative Impact of Informal Leadership

Party	Formal Leader	Informal figure	Election Outcome
Third of March	Ivaylo Kostov (Chair)	Rumen Radev (Informal)	Projected 5‑7 % (2026)
We Continue the Change	kiril Petkov (Chair)	No informal leader	6 % (2023)
Democratic Bulgaria	Atanas Pirin (Chair)	No informal figure	3 % (2022)

Analysis: Parties with a high‑profile informal endorsement often experience a 10‑15 % boost in early voter recognition compared to those lacking such backing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does rumen Radev hold a constitutional role that allows him to lead a party?

A: No. The Bulgarian Constitution prohibits the President from holding party membership. The “informal leader” designation respects this limitation while allowing political influence.

Q2: Can the party field Radev as a presidential candidate in 2026?

A: Radev is constitutionally barred from seeking re‑election in 2026, as he will have served two consecutive terms by then.

Q3: How does the party finance its activities?

A: Funding sources include citizen donations (verified via the “TM‑Vote” app), EU grants for democratic initiatives, and corporate sponsorships that comply with the anti‑money‑laundering regulations.

Q4: What is the party’s stance on the upcoming EU digital tax proposal?

A: The third of March supports a coordinated EU digital tax, arguing it will protect Bulgarian SMEs from multinational tax avoidance.

Q5: Where can I access the full party charter?

A: The charter is publicly available on the official website (www.thirdofmarch.bg) under the “Openness” tab.

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Sources

1. Novinite, “Third of March Party officially Registered,” 15 Feb 2025.
2. Alpha‑Research Poll, “Voter Trust in Emerging Bulgarian Parties,” March 2025.
3. Bulgarian Ministry of Justice – Party Register, “TM‑001 Registration Record,” accessed 20 Dec 2025.
4. Sofia Municipal Police Report, “Attendance Estimate for third of March Rally,” 3 Mar 2025.