Bulgaria Suspends Controversial Budget Following Nationwide Protests

Wed Dec 03 2025 04:51:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Massive protests across Bulgaria against a contentious 2026 budget plan have forced the government to revoke its proposal amid public outcry over corruption and tax increases.

In a significant political shift, Bulgaria's government has decided to withdraw its controversial 2026 budget plan after tens of thousands of citizens participated in protests, citing government corruption and proposed tax hikes. The protests saw clashes with police and calls for government resignations, marking a critical moment in the country's ongoing debates over its fiscal future amidst its forthcoming eurozone membership.

Bulgaria's government has announced the withdrawal of its contentious 2026 budget proposal following massive protests that erupted in Sofia and other cities across the nation. Tens of thousands rallied against the draft budget, which was criticized for attempting to obscure widespread government corruption.

Clashes between protesters and police broke out as some individuals targeted the headquarters of the ruling GERB party as well as the DPS party in Sofia. The government's decision to abandon the budget plan comes on the heels of similar protests last week when the economic framework was first introduced to parliament.

Next year’s budget would have marked Bulgaria's first in euros as the country prepares to join the eurozone on January 1, raising concerns among citizens regarding inflation and the overall economic impact on one of the EU's poorest nations.

Public sentiment has remained volatile regarding the adoption of the euro, with many fearing it could exacerbate inflation in the already struggling economy. Frequent protests against government corruption have characterized Bulgaria's political landscape since 2020, resulting in a series of transitional governments.

Recent demonstrations represented the largest turnout in Sofia for years, as protesters filled a key square near the parliament building, voicing their demand for a change in leadership. Significant rallies also took place in major cities such as Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas.

Critics of the budget cited increases in social security contributions and taxes on dividends necessary to fund higher government spending. We are here to protest for our future. We want to be a European country, not one ruled by corruption and the mafia,” said Ventsislava Vasileva, a young student participating in the rally.

The protests escalated to violence, resulting in over 70 arrests, according to Sofia’s interior chief. Bulgarian President Rumen Radev condemned the violence and labeled it a provocation by criminal elements, emphasizing that the desire for change was clear among the populace.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, who leads a minority coalition government, announced the withdrawal of the draft budget through a brief statement, pledging to initiate a new budget process.

In light of the protests, Bulgaria's opposition party is now calling for the government's resignation, asserting that the mere withdrawal of the budget proposal is insufficient.