On December 10, 2025, thousands of Bulgarians protested nationwide, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s minority government. The demonstrations, particularly prominent in Sofia’s Independence Square, were fueled by allegations of corruption and dissatisfaction with economic policies. Protesters used lasers to project messages like “Resignation” and “For Fair Elections” onto the parliament building, highlighting their discontent. One participant, Dobri Lakov, expressed hope that collective action would spur necessary judicial reforms to address systemic issues.
The protests were triggered by the government’s proposed 2026 budget, which included increased social security contributions and taxes on dividends to fund higher state spending. This plan faced public backlash, leading the government to withdraw it; however, protests persisted, demonstrating widespread frustration with governance and corruption.
The Bulgarian parliament is set to hold a no-confidence vote, marking the sixth such attempt since the government took office in January. Critics argue that any government change should not affect Bulgaria’s planned euro adoption on January 1. Former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, leader of the GERB party, stated the coalition partners agreed to remain in power until this transition.
The ongoing unrest underscores the political instability in Bulgaria, a country that has experienced seven national elections in the past four years. Citizens are demanding urgent judicial reforms and greater accountability from their leaders. Amid this backdrop, the government announced its resignation on December 11, 2025, following weeks of widespread protests as the nation prepared to join the eurozone.
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