“The political program of Progressive Bulgaria is characterized by a right-leaning, pro-Euro-Atlantic orientation.”

Our goal is the dismantling of the oligarchic model, strengthening statehood and the development of Bulgaria as a democratic and prosperous European state. We believe in our millennia-old culture and traditions. We believe in the talent and entrepreneurship of Bulgarians and the enormous potential of our country.

A Gallup survey from September 2024 indicates that 49.9% of Bulgarians would prefer the country to be part of the democratic world (EU, NATO, etc.), while 17.1% lean towards other integrated communities like Russia and China. This reflects a general public sentiment that aligns with a pro-Euro-Atlantic orientation.

"The party will seek practical solutions to real problems, without burdening itself with preliminary applications that it is left or right. [...] to claim that you are left-wing is very difficult and unrealistic. And to say that you are right-wing means that you will not do anything outside the conformist solutions that are proposed. In my opinion, one should approach it according to the case," said Hristov.

Rumen Radev, leader of Progressive Bulgaria, presented priorities including reforming the judiciary, fighting corruption, dismantling the oligarchic model, accelerating economic development, tackling inequality, building infrastructure, healthcare transformation, combating crime, and developing Armed Forces. He emphasized confiscation of illegally acquired assets and reliance on magistrates with moral integrity.

According to Hristov, the coalition will not define itself strictly as left or right, but will be guided by practical solutions to real problems, without being burdened by preliminary statements that it is left or right. He clarified that this does not mean there are no left and right solutions, but in the current situation, making a claim to be left is very difficult and unrealistic, and to say you are right means you will do nothing outside the conformist solutions offered.

Progressive Bulgaria is an answer to the expectations of our society for real change, justice and prosperity, for our common desire to live as Europeans in our own home. We believe in the talent and entrepreneurship of Bulgarians, we believe in the enormous potential of our country. We created 'Progressive Bulgaria' as a powerful political alternative that will restore Bulgarians' trust in their own state and future.

Tatyana Doncheva, a candidate from the BSP-United Left, stated that "Progressive Bulgaria" is a right-wing formation, noting that Vladimir Nikolov, a member of Radev's formation, openly declared himself a right-wing person. She criticized the "strange mix" of people from various parties (GERB, VMRO, Left, BSP) on their lists, questioning their shared political views.

This academic article from August 2025 discusses the deep crisis of the political left in Bulgaria and the emergence of various groups identifying as center-left, socially sensitive, and progressive European left. While not directly about "Progressive Bulgaria," it provides context on the political landscape and the potential for a progressive left actor, which could be seen as a counterpoint to a purely right-leaning claim.

Political psychologist Antoaneta Hristova suggests that Rumen Radev's "Progressive Bulgaria" is taking over the "left niche" in Bulgarian politics, describing it as a "left-centrist political party." She notes that the coalition includes traditionally social democratic parties.

The top-of-the-list candidates of the Progressive Bulgaria coalition for the snap parliamentary elections on April 19 have been announced, with its leader Rumen Radev standing as a candidate for parliament in two constituencies — Burgas and Sofia. No explicit description of ideological orientation provided.

Ivo Hristov, former chief of staff to President Rumen Radev, stated that the "Progressive Bulgaria" coalition aims for a parliamentary majority and will not define itself strictly as left or right. He emphasized that the party will seek practical solutions to real problems rather than adhering to a rigid ideological label.

Vladimir Nikolov, a politician from "Progressive Bulgaria," stated, "We should not divide into East and West. We are Europe." He also mentioned that one of the things that won him over to Radev's cause was the project's vision, implying a focus beyond traditional ideological divides.

Polls suggest that his coalition, composed of several left-leaning parties, could garner over 30% of the vote, reflecting public dissatisfaction with the current political landscape. The establishment of Progressive Bulgaria comes in the wake of the government's resignation after mass protests against corruption and ineffective governance. Radev's coalition aims to address these concerns by promoting a clean and transparent political model.

Were Bulgaria to hold parliamentary elections now, 21.1 per cent of those who would vote would back ex-president Roumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria, according to a March poll by Market Links. The formation remains competitive but no ideological stance detailed in the poll context.

Progressive Bulgaria, led by former President Rumen Radev, would receive 21.1% of the vote if elections were held today, according to the Market Links poll. It leads but lacks specific details on its political orientation in the article.

Tatyana Doncheva, leader of the list of 'BSP-United Left', commented that 'What sucks the left-wing person is not left at all. This is right. Vlado Nikolov frankly said that he is a right-wing person.' She also noted a 'strange mix' in the lists, with people from GERB, VMRO, the Left, BSP, questioning if they have similar views on politics and life.

Artificial intelligence (AI) says: 'Progressive' (from Latin progressio - movement forward, development) means directed towards social and political reforms, improvements and modernization. It is often contrasted with conservatism, supporting top-down development (through government) and is associated with left-centrist ideas in the USA, although it can vary globally. 'Progressive' was also widely used during the socialist period (especially in the Eastern Bloc) to denote people, states, and organizations supporting communist ideology and Soviet policy.

Rumen Radev, former Bulgarian President (2017-2022, extended contextually), is known for a nationalist, pro-sovereignty stance often critical of Western influence despite Bulgaria's NATO/EU membership; his alliances have included both left-leaning and populist elements, positioning Progressive Bulgaria as ambiguously centrist or pragmatic rather than distinctly right-leaning.

Rival parties label Progressive Bulgaria's program as covertly leftist despite its pro-Euro-Atlantic rhetoric, pointing to welfare proposals as evidence against a purely right-leaning orientation.

Coalition 'Progressive Bulgaria', with which President Rumen Radev (2016-2026) entered active politics, presents its program at the National Palace of Culture. The stated aim is to talk about the coalition's priorities for 'accelerated economic development and for dismantling the oligarchic model'. Radev stated that 'Progressive Bulgaria' is an answer to the expectations of our society for real change, for justice and prosperity, for the common desire of all of us to live as Europeans in our own home.