Mass protests erupt in Bulgaria over plans to adopt euro

Several Bulgarian cities witnessed large-scale protests against the government’s plan to adopt the euro as the country’s official currency.

The demonstrations, reported by the Bulgarian News Agency (BIA), included calls for the resignation of the current government.

The protests were organised by the opposition party “Revival,” which held a central rally in Sofia. Party leader Kostadin Kostadinov warned that switching to the euro threatens Bulgaria’s national identity and economic stability.

“The message is clear — resignation. Resignation of this government so we can save Bulgaria, so we can save the Bulgarian lev,” he stated.

Opposition leaders cited the national budget deficit, exceeding 6.5 billion levs ($3.9 billion), high inflation, corruption, and a lack of foreign policy initiative as reasons for demanding a government change.

Protest activities also included signature collection campaigns to preserve the lev. Demonstrations took place in Shumen, Pleven, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, and Ruse, in addition to Sofia.

By Khagan Isayev