Anti-government protests erupt in Bulgaria

Published December 11th, 2025 - 06:40 GMT
Buglaria
This drone aerial photograph shows the crowd shine their mobile phones as tens of thosands of protesters gather in central Sofia to demonstrate against the Buglarian government, in Sofia on December 10, 2025. Photo by DOBRIN KASHAVELOV / AFP

ALBAWABA - Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Bulgaria on Wednesday in massive protests against the government.

According to the media, protesters accused the Bulgarian government of widespread corruption and underscoring political rifts just weeks before the country is set to join the European Union, ABC News reported.

It is worth mentioning that on January 1, 2026, Bulgaria will adopt the euro as its official currency and become the 21st member state of the eurozone.

Last week, the government suggested a controversial 2026 bill, which includes higher taxes, additional social security contributions and spending increases, sparking widespread protests and forcing the government to withdraw its plan.

Bulgarian demonstrators called for Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's resignation after accusing the government of corruption.