Bulgaria’s Government Steps Down After Weeks of Nationwide Protests
Bulgaria’s ruling coalition resigned on Thursday after months of rising public anger over the country’s economic direction and widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts to fight corruption. The decision came less than a year after the administration took office.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced the resignation in a televised speech, delivered just before parliament was scheduled to vote on a no-confidence motion. The move comes only weeks before Bulgaria is set to adopt the euro on January 1.
Zhelyazkov said the coalition had held internal discussions and concluded that stepping down was the most responsible step given the escalating situation.
Mass protests were held across Bulgaria on Wednesday night, with thousands gathering in Sofia and in dozens of towns nationwide. Demonstrators expressed frustration over long-standing corruption and the inability of successive governments to deliver meaningful reform.
According to Zhelyazkov, the unrest reflected a deeper public demand for integrity and accountability, rather than purely economic concerns. He said the demonstrations united different groups in society who want a transparent and values-driven government.
A large share of protesters are younger professionals who strongly back Bulgaria’s entry into the euro zone and want the country to align more closely with European standards. Bulgaria, which joined the EU in 2007, remains its poorest and one of its most corruption-affected members.
Calls for New and Fair Elections
The government had already withdrawn its 2026 draft budget last week after public criticism over proposed increases in social security contributions and taxes on dividends. Despite the reversal, demonstrations continued in a country that has held seven general elections in the past four years.
Opposition leader Asen Vassilev of the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria coalition welcomed the resignation, calling it an important first step toward restoring political normalcy. He insisted that the next elections must be free from manipulation, something he claims marred the previous vote.
President Rumen Radev will now begin consultations with parliamentary parties to explore options for forming a new government. If no coalition is able to assemble a majority—an outcome many expect—Radev will appoint a caretaker cabinet until fresh elections are held.
Boyko Borissov, head of the GERB party that led the outgoing coalition, defended the government’s brief tenure. He highlighted achievements including Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen free-movement area and preparations for adopting the euro. Borissov said his party will now focus on winning the upcoming elections.