Thousands of Bulgarians took to the streets of Sofia and other cities on Monday evening to protest the government’s 2026 budget plan, the first drafted with the euro ahead of Bulgaria’s adoption of the common currency on January 1, 2026, Reuters reports.
During the demonstrations, some protesters clashed with police, who had surrounded government party offices in the capital. Rocks, bottles, and fireworks were reportedly thrown at law enforcement officials.
The minority government of Rosen Zhelyazkov pledged on November 28, following similar protests, to resubmit the 2026 spending plan to parliament to allow more time for consultations with opposition parties, trade unions, and employers. A parliamentary committee had approved the budget in its first reading on November 18.
Opposition parties and civil organizations are protesting planned increases in social security contributions and taxes on dividends meant to fund higher expenditures, while also denouncing state corruption.
Public opinion is divided on the upcoming euro adoption, with roughly half of Bulgarians fearing it could undermine national sovereignty and lead to price hikes as retailers convert from the lev to the euro.
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, warned this month that inflation could rise when Bulgaria officially joins the eurozone.
