Government steps down ahead of eurozone entry
Bulgaria’s prime minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov, has submitted his government’s resignation after weeks of escalating nationwide protests over economic policies and the administration’s perceived failure to confront entrenched corruption. The announcement came shortly before parliament was expected to vote on a no-confidence motion brought by the opposition and just weeks before Bulgaria’s planned entry into the eurozone on 1 January.
“Our desire is to be at the level that society expects. Power stems from the voice of the people,” Zhelyazkov said in a televised statement, adding later that “people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and religions have spoken out in favour of the resignation.”
Public frustration reaches a breaking point
Tens of thousands rallied across Sofia and dozens of other towns on Wednesday in the latest show of public anger. Drone footage suggested more than 100,000 people filled the capital’s streets, chanting “Resign” and holding signs reading “I’m fed up!” as they condemned corruption and rising living costs.
Many were young Bulgarians, including students from Sofia’s universities. Protesters said corruption had reached an “intolerable” level, while recent government budget proposals — which included tax increases, higher social security contributions and expanded state spending — intensified concerns. Although the draft 2026 budget was withdrawn, demonstrations continued, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with governance.
A political system in turmoil
The country’s president, Rumen Radev — widely seen as sympathetic to Moscow — also called for the government to step down, telling leaders to “listen to the public squares.” Under the constitution, he will now invite parties in parliament to attempt forming a new government. If they fail, as expected, he will appoint an interim cabinet and call fresh elections, which would be Bulgaria’s eighth in just four years.
Bulgaria, the EU’s poorest member state, has struggled with prolonged political instability. Public trust in institutions has eroded further as fears of rising prices mount ahead of euro adoption. The European Commission has repeatedly warned about shortcomings in rule of law and weak judicial independence, noting in a recent report that anti-corruption efforts remain “limited.”
Corruption allegations loom over governing coalition
Much of the anger has centered on Delyan Peevski, a powerful figure in the governing coalition and former media mogul. His DPS – New Beginning party is one of several factions supporting Zhelyazkov’s minority government. Peevski has been sanctioned by both the US and UK for alleged corruption, bribery and embezzlement — accusations he denies — and critics say he exerts outsized influence on government decisions in ways that benefit oligarchic interests.
The current coalition, led by Boyko Borissov’s GERB party, formed after last year’s election, with Zhelyazkov — a longtime GERB member and former transport minister — becoming prime minister in January. Analysts say plummeting trust in political leaders and institutions points to a deepening crisis, with Bulgarian society “in broad unity against the model of governance.”