Sofia Protest Demands Withdrawal of 2026 Budget
A new protest has begun in Sofia, centered in the Triangle of Power, against the draft budget for next year and the current administration. Demonstrators are primarily demanding the withdrawal of Budget 2026 and the submission of a revised proposal.
The protest began at 6:00 p.m. with people continuing to arrive afterward. A projection displaying the words “shame” and “freedom” was shown on the facade of the parliament building. Traffic in the city center is currently blocked as the area around the Triangle of Power becomes increasingly crowded. The demonstration is proceeding peacefully, with participants waving flags and placards and chanting against the budget.
As of 7:56 p.m., all spaces around the Triangle of Power are filled with people.
Emergency Services have responded to the protest, examining two men experiencing nausea and a hypertonic crisis. Both refused transport to a hospital. A second ambulance was dispatched to the square shortly after the first.
Organizers quickly extinguished a torch lit by demonstrators at the heart of the protest.
Police have issued a warning against escalation, and opposition groups have reported data regarding potential provocateurs within the protest areas. Police cordons are in place around key buildings.
SEE PHOTOS FROM THE PROTEST HERE
Photo: Martin Kerefeyski, NOVA
Photo: Zapryan Zapryanov, NOVA
# Protests Erupt Across Bulgaria Over Proposed Budget
⇒ The protest in Plovdiv
Thousands gathered in Union Square in plovdiv,overwhelming the space and prompting police to close a section of “6 September” boulevard to accommodate the crowd. the demonstration drew a diverse group, including many young people and families with children.
Protesters voiced strong opposition to the proposed budget, demanding its immediate withdrawal and a complete redraft. They called for realistic financial estimates, openness, social protections, and policies that prioritize citizens’ needs.
chants of “Resign!” and “No to the state!” filled the air. Representatives from small and medium-sized businesses also joined the protest, arguing that the budget would lead to their financial ruin and bankruptcy.
demonstrators marched through the city center, temporarily disrupting traffic.
⇒ The protest in Burgas: Police Intervene Against Provocateurs
In Burgas, police preemptively removed two individuals identified as provocateurs before the protest officially began. The demonstration, held in front of the municipality building, attracted thousands of participants from across the Burgas region, including representatives from businesses in Tsarevo, Sozopol, Primorsko, and Pomorie.
Protesters united in their demand for the budget’s withdrawal and a complete overhaul, specifically requesting the preservation of the current tax rate. Chants of “Resign!” and “Mafia!” echoed through the streets.
The protest experienced disruptions from provocateurs. A NOVA news crew was targeted with bottles of water, and attempts were made to breach the municipality building, but the individuals involved were removed by police.
⇒ thousands of Dissatisfied Citizens Gather in stara Zagora
in Stara Zagora,a protest began around 4 p.m. in front of the municipality building, drawing thousands of citizens dissatisfied with the proposed state budget for the coming year.
A counter-protest emerged, with approximately 100 individuals displaying placards reading “Change Kills Energy” and positioning themselves within the main protest group.
The two…
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