Tens of thousands of people took part in fresh anti-government demonstrations across Bulgaria on Wednesday, accusing the ruling coalition of entrenched corruption.
And exposing deep political divisions just weeks before the country adopts the euro at the start of next year.
The latest rallies follow last week’s protests triggered by the government’s proposed 2026 budget, which included higher taxes, increased social security contributions and expanded spending. Although the plan was later withdrawn, public anger has since broadened into demands for the resignation of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s center-right government.
In Sofia, crowds filled the central square housing the parliament, government and presidential buildings. Chanting “Resignation” and “Mafia,” demonstrators demanded that Zhelyazkov’s minority coalition step down. Student groups from several universities also joined the gathering, which organisers said exceeded last week’s turnout of over 50,000. Media estimates based on drone footage put Wednesday’s crowd at more than 100,000.
Much of the public frustration is directed at politician and oligarch Delyan Peevski, whose MRF New Beginning party supports the government. Peevski, sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom, has long been accused by critics of exerting outsized influence on government policy in favour of oligarchic interests.
The protests remained peaceful and concluded without incident.
Meanwhile, the opposition alliance We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria submitted a new no-confidence motion against the government, its sixth attempt. A vote is scheduled for Thursday.
President Rumen Radev, a critic of the government, wrote on Facebook that the demonstrations amounted to a public “vote of no confidence,” urging lawmakers to “listen to the people” when they cast their ballots.
Bulgaria, a country of 6.4 million, is preparing to become the 21st member of the eurozone on January 1, when it will replace its national currency, the lev, with the euro.
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