Sofia, Bulgaria – Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Sofia on Monday, demonstrating against the Bulgarian government and its proposed 2026 budget. The protests, fueled by concerns over corruption and the upcoming adoption of the Euro, mark a significant escalation in anti-government sentiment within the European Union’s poorest member state.
The demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building, holding signs calling for government change and denouncing the 2026 budget as a vehicle for concealing widespread corruption. The scale of the demonstration is reported to be the largest in recent years.
Clashes erupted between protesters and police forces who were deployed to secure the offices of the ruling political parties. Reports indicate that officers were pelted with stones, bottles, and firecrackers.
The minority government, led by Rosen Zhelyazkov, had previously pledged to resubmit the 2026 spending plan to parliament following similar protests on November 28th. The aim was to allow for further consultations with opposition parties, labor unions, and employers.
Opposition parties and other organizations are protesting the government’s plans to increase social security contributions and taxes on dividend income to finance increased spending, alongside accusations of state corruption. Concerns are also rising regarding the country’s adoption of the Euro.
Approximately half of Bulgarians oppose adopting the Euro, fearing it will impact national sovereignty and that retailers will exploit the currency conversion from the Lev to the Euro to raise prices. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde recently warned of potential inflationary pressures associated with Bulgaria joining the Eurozone.
