Bulgaria Protests Lead to Budget Withdrawal and Government Resignation

Widespread protests erupted across Bulgaria in late November 2025, triggered by the Zhelyazkov government’s proposed 2026 budget plan. The demonstrations, fueled by concerns over corruption and the role of key political figures, ultimately led to the withdrawal of the budget and the resignation of the government.

Origins of the Protests

The protests began on November 26, 2025, in response to a 2026 budget proposal that aimed to increase taxes, specifically contributions to pension and social-security programs. 2025–2026 Bulgarian protests. Initial demonstrations saw approximately 20,000 participants.

Escalation and Demands

Despite the government initially suspending and then withdrawing the budget proposal, protests continued and intensified. Demonstrators broadened their demands, calling for the resignation of the Zhelyazkov government and the holding of new elections. Key issues driving the protests included allegations of corruption, the perceived influence of Delyan Peevski, and concerns about state capture.

Protest Methods and Scale

The protests took various forms, including demonstrations, picketing, online activism, and student activism. A particularly large demonstration on December 1, 2025, drew between 50,000 and 150,000 participants. Further protests on December 10, 2025, saw between 100,000 and 250,000 people take to the streets in Sofia alone, with approximately 100 police officers deployed. 2025–2026 Bulgarian protests. Riots occurred on December 1st.

Key Players and Parties

The protests were largely decentralized, without a single, unified leadership. However, prominent political figures such as Assen Vassilev, Bozhidar Bozhanov, Ivaylo Mirchev, Atanas Atanasov, Rumen Radev, Kostadin Kostadinov, Rosen Zhelyazkov, Daniel Mitov, and Boyko Borisov were associated with the movement. Parties involved included PP–DB Revival, Velichie, MECh, DPS–NN, GERB, BSP-OL, and ITN. 2025–2026 Bulgarian protests.

Casualties and Arrests

The protests resulted in injuries to at least 11 people, including at least three police officers. Over 101 individuals were arrested during the demonstrations. 2025–2026 Bulgarian protests.

Outcome

The protests achieved their primary goals: the withdrawal of the 2026 budget proposal and the resignation of the Zhelyazkov government. The protests were part of a broader period of political instability in Bulgaria, stemming from the 2021–2025 Bulgarian political crisis and the wider Southeast Europe protests of 2024–present. 2025–2026 Bulgarian protests.