MOSCOW, November 14. /TASS/. Results of the presidential election in Bulgaria show the growing role of the patriotic forces in Europe, Sergei Zheleznayk (United Russia Party), a member of the lower house’s international affairs committee, said on Monday.

"The victory of Rumen Radev, nominated by the Bulgarian Socialist Party, at the presidential election in Bulgaria demonstrates the growing role of patriotic forces in Europe, which make the alternative to the dictatorship of European integration, which ruins national economies and sovereignty," he said.

"The Bulgarian people, represented by Rumen Radev, have chosen the route, which is aimed at observing national interests, at more independent foreign and home policies," the Russia legislator said. "Radev’s support from the majority in Bulgaria demonstrates clearly that the political trend of the new leader corresponds with interests of the nation and can provide for Bulgaria the social, economic development and the consistency on the international arena."

He also said, "Russia always has been friendly towards the Bulgarians."

"These traditions are deep in hearts of our people, despite all the provocations and destructive decisions by Bulgarian authorities at different times in history, including in the modern history," he said. "We hail the winner and we are ready to develop cooperation with the new Bulgarian leaders on the basis of close cultures, good neighbourhood and mutual respect." 

"I hope the relations will improve, first of all in economy. I think that over the past years our relations could be called abnormal taking into consideration the historic proximity of the two countries," said Vladimir Dzhabarov, the first deputy chairman of the foreign affairs committee of Russia’s Federation Council (upper house).

The senator noted that still no breakthrough may be expected. "We understand that Bulgaria is a NATO member-state and they have their own interests and strategic tasks, but this should not hamper our relations," he added.

Radev’s victory shows that for Bulgaria’s citizens the fairytale on the future in the EU is no more attractive. "They understood that they lost a lot by abandoning economic cooperation with Russia," the senator said, recalling that Bulgaria’s budget lost hundreds of millions of euros due to the scrapped South Stream gas pipeline project.

The opposition’s candidate Rumen Radev wins the presidential election in Bulgaria with 59.08%. At his first news conference, he said he was hoping for development of a "deep dialogue with Russia."