Mass demonstrations force Bulgarian PM to resign

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stepped down on December 11 after weeks of widespread protests across multiple cities demanding government accountability, per POLITICO.

The resignation came just ahead of another parliamentary vote of confidence — the sixth such vote since Zhelyazkov’s government took office in January 2025.

“We have no doubt that in the upcoming vote of no confidence, the government will receive support. But for us, the decisions of the National Assembly have meaning only when they reflect the will of the sovereign,” Zhelyazkov said.

A formal parliamentary vote to accept the government’s resignation will be held during the next plenary session, where the ruling coalition still holds a majority.

Following the resignation, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev is expected to invite parliamentary parties to form a new government. If no agreement is reached — a likely scenario — he will appoint a caretaker Cabinet to oversee the country until new elections can be organised.

Bulgaria has experienced political turbulence in recent years, holding seven snap elections since mass anti-corruption protests erupted in 2020 against the government of former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

The latest wave of demonstrations, which began in November, was triggered by a controversial budget proposal that raised taxes on the private sector while increasing state sector funding. Yet the budget was only the immediate spark; the underlying cause has been widespread dissatisfaction with the government itself. Economic grievances quickly expanded into a nationwide movement demanding transparency, accountability, and new leadership.

“Our desire is to rise to the level of what society expects. At this moment, as the constitution dictates, power derives from the voice of the people. We hear the citizens calling for the resignation of the government,” Zhelyazkov said.

“Young and old, from different ethnic backgrounds, have spoken out. We support this civic energy and encourage it,” he added.

The resignation comes as Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026. Roughly half of the population remains sceptical of the move, citing inflation concerns and the influence of Russian disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining public support for the single currency.

By Tamilla Hasanova