Bulgaria’s government resigns amid mass protests, just weeks before the country is set to join the eurozone.
Bulgaria’s government announced its resignation on Thursday, ending a contentious period marked by widespread public protests and significant dissatisfaction surrounding economic policies and corruption. The decision comes just weeks before Bulgaria is set to adopt the euro, transitioning from the lev to European currency on January 1, thus becoming the 21st member of the eurozone.
The resignation of the minority coalition government, led by the center-right GERB party, was revealed shortly before parliament was to vote on a no-confidence motion initiated by the opposition. The motion, which garnered increasing public support, was driven by concerns over economic mismanagement and growing frustration with entrenched corruption within the government.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov expressed that the administration’s resignation was a response to the prevailing sentiment among the populace, highlighting that “the decisions of the National Assembly are meaningful when they reflect the will of the people.” This move follows massive protests held in Sofia earlier this week, where demonstrators rallied against proposed budgetary changes that included overwhelming tax increases and heightened social security contributions. In response to public outcry, the government subsequently retracted its proposed budget plan for 2026.
The scale of the protests was significant, with estimates suggesting that over 100,000 individuals participated, surpassing the 50,000 reported at previous demonstrations. University students and various civil society groups were among those advocating for a governmental overhaul amid persistent allegations of corruption, particularly regarding the influence of oligarch Delyan Peevski, whose political actions have drawn international scrutiny.
The government had previously navigated six votes of no confidence since its inception in January, but the unprecedented turnout during recent protests indicated a critical tipping point. The formal resignation will be submitted to parliament on Friday, where its acceptance will be voted upon. Following this process, President Rumen Radev will consult the largest political faction in parliament to explore the possibility of forming a new government. Should this attempt fail, he will give the next largest party a chance, and if all options are exhausted, a caretaker government will be appointed until a new election can be organized.
Political analysts foresee that any ensuing elections, the eighth since 2021, will likely produce a fractured parliament, complicating efforts to establish a stable governing body. Leaders of opposition coalitions have already begun to frame the government’s resignation as an essential step toward restoring normalcy in Bulgaria’s democratic processes and ensuring that future elections are conducted without allegations of manipulation.
Bulgaria, with a population of 6.4 million, continues to navigate complex economic and political landscapes as it seeks to align itself more closely with European standards, all while maintaining public trust in its institutions.
