## generation Z Takes to the Streets: protests and Political crisis in Bulgaria
CIVICUS discusses Generation Z-led protests in Bulgaria with Zahari Iankov, senior legal expert at the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law, a civil society organisation that advocates for participation and human rights.
Bulgaria recently experienced its largest protests as the 1990s, driven largely by young people frustrated with corruption and institutional decay. What began as opposition to budget measures quickly escalated into broader demands for systemic change. The prime minister’s resignation has triggered Bulgaria’s seventh election as 2021, but whether this cycle of repeated elections will finally address fundamental questions about institutional integrity, informal power structures and the enduring influence of the oligarchy remains to be seen.
What sparked recent protests?
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Bulgaria has been in a prolonged political crisis as 2020, when mass protests first erupted against corruption and state capture. although they didn’t immediately lead to a resignation,these protests marked the beginning of a cycle of repeated elections and unstable governments. As 2021, Bulgaria has held several parliamentary elections, and no political settlement has lasted.
the latest protests, which erupted on 1 December, have probably been the largest as the early 1990s, during bulgaria’s transition from communism to democracy. They were initially sparked by a controversial 2026 budget that raised taxes to fund public sector wages, but while economic concerns played a role, the protests were primarily centres on values. People reacted to the fact that democratic rules were being openly disregarded and governance was increasingly being shaped by informal powers and personal interests.
Several incidents reinforced the perception that institutions were being systematically undermined. One symbolic moment was the treatment of student representatives during parliamentary debates about education, including proposals for mandatory religious education. Members of parliament publicly shamed student council representatives, which many people saw as emblematic of a broader contempt for citizen participation and government accountability.
Other cases reinforced this perception: environmental laws were weakened without debate,key oversight bodies were left inactive for over a year and proposals that threatened freedom of expression were introduced, and only withdrawn following public backlash. Together, these incidents created a sense that institutions were being hollowed out.
The budget acted as a trigger, but public anger had been building for months. Throughout the government’s short mandate, there was a clear pattern of sidelining public participation and bypassing parliamentary procedures. Laws were rushed through committees in seconds, major reforms were proposed without consultation and controversial decisions were taken at moments designed to avoid opposition.
What made these protests different from previous ones?
One striking difference was the speed and scale of the mobilisation. What began as a protest linked to budget concerns quickly turned into huge demonstrations involving tens of thousands of people. Estimates suggest that between 100,000 and 150,000 people gathered in Sofia, the capital, during the largest protest. For such a small country, this was notable. Also unlike previous mobilisations, these protests spread well beyond Sofia to many cities across the country, something unusual for Bulgaria’s highly centralised political syste
Bulgaria’s Protests Reflect Deep-Seated Discontent
Bulgaria is seeing a surge in protests.It’s a clear sign of public frustration with the country’s political and economic situation. People are tired of corruption and a perceived lack of accountability.
Recent demonstrations, sparked by the arrest of Varna Mayor ivan Portnih, highlight this discontent. Portnih’s arrest, linked to alleged corruption, ignited widespread protests across the nation. People aren’t just upset about this specific case; they’re reacting to a system they believe is rigged.
“People reacted to a system of governance shaped by informal powers and personal interests,” explains journalist Zahari Iankov on LinkedIn. This sentiment echoes throughout the country.For years, Bulgarians have expressed concerns about the influence of oligarchs and the lack of transparency in government.
These protests aren’t happening in a vacuum. Public media journalists recently took to the streets demanding higher wages and editorial independence. This shows a broader struggle for fairness and freedom within key institutions.It’s a fight for a more just and equitable society.
The current unrest builds on years of frustration. As Citizen Lens pointed out in 2022, Bulgaria often feels “stuck in a loop” of political instability and unfulfilled promises. Many feel that successive governments have failed to address the root causes of corruption and inequality.
The protests are a powerful message to the government. Citizens are demanding real change. They want a system that prioritizes the public good over personal gain. Whether these demands will be met remains to be seen, but the intensity of the protests suggests that people are no longer willing to accept the status quo.
SEE ALSO
anti-euro protests continue; arrest of Varna mayor sparks protests Citizen Monitor 28.Jul.2025
Unprecedented protests in Bulgaria’s public media CIVICUS Monitor 27.May.2025
Bulgaria: stuck in a loop? Citizen Lens 24.Oct.2022
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