Bulgaria's new president, Rumen Radev, took his oath of office on 19
th Jan 2017. He will take over the post from Rosen Plevneliev.
Radev is the country's fifth democratically elected president. He was sworn in at a ceremony in Parliament on 19th Jan 2017.
The swearing in ceremony also incorporated Vice-President Iliana Yotova.
53-year-old Radev is the former chief of the Bulgarian Air Force.
He defeated the ruling center-right party's candidate in a November election.
This triggered an early parliamentary vote to be held in the spring.
Radev indicated that he will work for improving social systems and the economy.
Bulgaria is a Balkan country of 7.2m.
It joined EU 10 years ago. The country is the poorest member of the 28 nation bloc.
Bulgaria's presidency is primarily ceremonial.
The head of state has no executive powers and all major policies must be approved by parliament.
But the popular election gives the post more influence and authority.
Radev's first task will be to appoint a caretaker government after Prime Minister Boiko Borisov's center-right coalition government resigned.
He also has to dissolve parliament and set a date for general elections.
