In a packed sports hall in the ancient city of Plovdiv, Rumen Radev warmed to his theme as he launched his election campaign: It’s time get rid of corruption and set Bulgaria on a new course, he said.

“Our goal is clear — take down the oligarchy,” the former president told the crowd of some 3,000 people on March 21. “Let’s take back the country, strengthen law, strengthen democracy and civil liberties.”