Bulgaria's political landscape has shifted following recent elections that delivered an absolute majority to Rumen Radev, a former president who campaigned on promises of significant policy change. 

The victory of Prime Minister-elect Radev is raising questions about how the country will approach sensitive issues, including the presence of US military aircraft at Sofia Airport.

The controversy centers on a large number of US air refuelling tanker planes stationed at the civilian airport in the Bulgarian capital. 

Their presence has sparked public debate and drawn international attention, particularly after initial explanations from authorities were called into question.

"At the beginning, the Ministry of Defense said they are based on military training which is to be performed at the eastern front of NATO," said former Deputy FM of Bulgaria, Milen Keremedchiev.

"But on another day that's not correct information, because for the first time we had so many planes actually landing at civilian airport." 

Inconsistencies in official statements led to increased scrutiny and skepticism among analysts and the public. The situation escalated further after Iran sent a diplomatic note that many in Bulgaria interpreted as a warning, adding an international dimension to the issue.

Despite the criticism, some experts defended the government's position, pointing to Bulgaria's commitments as a NATO member. 

"The country, as a loyal ally of the NATO countries, has accepted the duty, which we did the other time, to provide the airport of the ally of the United States of America, which has the discretion to use its planes for the purposes necessary for the United States of America," said Vasil Danov from Atlantic Council of Bulgaria.

Although some of the aircraft have since been relocated to other Bulgarian cities, a number remain at Sofia International Airport. Their size and operational requirements mean only a limited number of airports in the country can accommodate them, keeping the issue in focus.

The debate has taken on added political significance in the wake of the election. Analysts say the new parliamentary majority will have to decide how to balance domestic concerns with Bulgaria's strategic commitments to NATO and its broader relationship with the US.

As the new government takes shape, the question of the US military presence is emerging as an early test of Bulgaria's foreign policy direction under Radev's leadership, with implications for regional security and international partnerships.