In recent days, Bulgaria has been swept by a wave of mass protests that began as peaceful demonstrations against a controversial draft state budget for 2026 but quickly escalated into clashes with police and acts of vandalism. Thousands of citizens took to the streets of Sofia and other major cities, demanding the government’s resignation and transparency in spending. The government was forced to withdraw the draft budget, but this did not appease the discontent, which, according to experts, reflects a deep crisis of confidence in the authorities against the backdrop of the country’s imminent entry into the eurozone.
The conflict erupted over the draft budget for 2026 — the first to be drawn up in euros before Bulgaria’s transition to the single European currency on January 1, 2026. The document provided for record government spending of 46% of GDP, financed by increases in taxes and social contributions. In particular, it proposed increasing pension insurance contributions by 2 percentage points and doubling the tax on dividends to 10%, which, according to the opposition, would hit private business and the middle class in order to finance wage growth in the public sector.
The opposition coalition “We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria” called the budget a “war against the middle class” and organized the first protests on November 26. Protesters accuse the ruling coalition — which includes the centrist GERB, the Bulgarian Socialist Party, and the nationalist There Is Such a People — of corruption and using the budget to strengthen their political influence. Particular anger is directed at figures such as oligarch Delyan Peevski, who is under sanctions under the Magnitsky Act, and GERB leader Boyko Borisov.
“This is not just a budget—it’s robbery of the people!” chanted demonstrators, highlighting fears that the transition to the euro will be used to artificially inflate prices. About half of Bulgarians are skeptical about the eurozone, fearing a loss of sovereignty and economic risks.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, who heads a minority government, promised to “restart dialogue” and make amendments to the budget. GERB leader Boyko Borisov, known for his skepticism toward the protests, nevertheless acknowledged the need for change. Economists warn that the current draft poses risks to business and could undermine preparations for the eurozone.
Society is divided: the opposition sees the protests as an opportunity to change the government, while the ruling coalition accuses “provocateurs” of organizing the unrest. Cultural figures and trade unions have joined in, protesting against the lack of funding for the cultural sector. On social media, users are sharing videos and appeals, emphasizing that this is not just about the budget, but also about systemic corruption.
The withdrawal of the budget was the protesters’ first victory, but tensions remain high. Parliament is set to resume discussions in the coming weeks, and the opposition is demanding complete transparency on spending. Analysts predict that unrest could intensify if the government fails to compromise, especially against the backdrop of economic challenges in the eurozone.
Bulgaria is on the verge of change: joining the eurozone promises stability, but without reforms it risks provoking an even greater crisis. As the streets of Sofia quiet down, the echoes of “Mafia!” chants remind us that the people are tired of promises and demand action.