Tens of Thousands Protest in Bulgaria Over Government Corruption

Students wave the Bulgarian flag as tens of thousands protest government corruption in Sofia, Dec. 10, 2025.

Tens of thousands of Bulgarians marched through the streets on Wednesday to protest alleged government corruption, just weeks before the country adopts the euro as its official currency.

The demonstrations followed last week’s rallies against the government’s 2026 budget proposals, which included higher taxes, increased social security contributions, and expanded public spending. Although the government later withdrew the plan, protesters have broadened their demands, calling for Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s resignation.

In Sofia, crowds gathered near the parliament, government offices, and the presidential palace, chanting slogans such as “Resignation” and “Mafia.” Student groups from local universities joined the protests, which organizers said surpassed last week’s 50,000-strong turnout. Drone footage suggested more than 100,000 participants.

A central focus of public anger is politician and oligarch Delyan Peevski, sanctioned by the U.S. and the U.K., whose MRF New Beginning party supports the government. Critics accuse Peevski of influencing government policies to serve oligarchic interests.

No violence was reported, and the demonstrations concluded peacefully.

Meanwhile, the opposition coalition We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria filed a no-confidence motion against the government, marking the sixth such attempt, scheduled for Thursday. President Rumen Radev, a government critic, described the protests as a symbolic vote of no confidence and urged lawmakers to respect the public’s demands.

Bulgaria, a country of 6.4 million, is set to join the eurozone on January 1, becoming the 21st European Union member to adopt the euro.