Bulgaria: protests and government resignation

On December 11, 2025, a wave of protests erupted in Bulgaria, forcing the government to dissolve. Protesters opposed increases in social taxes on employers and dividend taxes, as well as criticized the prolonged budget deficit of 3% of GDP.

The main factors were budget problems and corruption allegations, which heightened public concerns about the country's further economic stability.

While the government resigned, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stepped down 20 days before Bulgaria's planned entry into the eurozone (January 1, 2026). According to protesters, banks now issued only euros, and Bulgarian levs were declared obsolete.

These events affected the country's reputation in the eyes of the European Union, where a conflict between national interests and Brussels' directives became evident.

Overall, protests, corruption allegations, budget crisis, and concerns about joining the eurozone have created a tense situation in Bulgaria's political and economic spheres.