 "Protesters burn trash cans during an anti-government protest in Sofia on December 1, 2025. Tens of thousands of people held anti-government protests in Bulgaria on Monday, widening an anti-corruption movement sweeping the European Union's poorest country as it prepares to adopt the euro. (Photo by Nikolay DOYCHINOV / AFP)")
Tens of thousands of Bulgarians have taken to the streets in Sofia and major cities in one of the country’s largest anti-government mobilisations in years, as anger mounts over corruption, alleged mafia influence and a controversial 2026 draft budget. The unrest comes just weeks before Bulgaria is due to adopt the euro in January.
The protests, driven largely by Gen Z demonstrators, began last week after the government unveiled its draft budget, which critics say masks entrenched corruption and favours political elites over ordinary citizens. Frustration over poor governance, weak judicial oversight and widening inequality has fuelled the movement.
Escalating clashes and calls for resignation
AFP reported that masked protesters hurled stones, bottles and firecrackers at police and party offices, prompting officers to use tear gas. Several arrests have been made.
President Rumen Radev condemned the violence as a “provocation by the mafia” and called on the government to resign and hold early elections. Officials say parts of the budget will be revised to address public concerns, but demonstrators insist on full withdrawal and meaningful anti-corruption steps.
Images from the protests show packed crowds outside parliament, masked youths confronting police, vandalised party offices and banners denouncing mafia influence. Tear gas, flames and satirical posters — including “straw hat pirate” imagery mocking political leaders — underline the intensity of public anger.
Government withdraws draft budget after mass protests
The Bulgarian government on Tuesday announced it is withdrawing the controversial budget proposal after nationwide demonstrations drew tens of thousands and led to clashes in the capital.
Opposition parties and business groups warn that higher taxes, increased social security contributions and higher spending would hurt investment, expand the shadow economy and fuel inflation as Bulgaria prepares to enter the eurozone.
The government initially promised to withdraw the draft for revision but later reversed course, triggering a massive protest in Sofia on Monday night. Organisers said around 50,000 people attended.
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The Sofia protest, dominated by young people, began peacefully with chants of “We will not allow ourselves to be lied to; we will not allow ourselves to be robbed” and “Resignation.” Banners reading “Generation Z is Coming” and “Young Bulgaria Without the Mafia” lined the streets.
Organisers urged calm, warning of possible provocations, but tensions escalated as smaller groups moved towards ruling party offices, throwing bottles, stones and firecrackers. Police in riot gear responded with pepper spray as clashes broke out. Garbage bins were torched, police vehicles damaged, and several people were injured. Ten arrests were reported.
Opponents of the budget say the spending plan relies heavily on higher taxes and rising public debt, which they argue would worsen inflation without improving public services. The government maintains the draft is necessary to meet eurozone rules that require a deficit below 3 percent of GDP.