- Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced that his minority coalition government would resign on Thursday following weeks of mass anti-corruption protests.
- The resignation came minutes before a scheduled no-confidence vote in parliament over economic mismanagement, budget disputes, and public frustration with corruption.
- Mass demonstrations erupted after the government proposed a 2026 budget raising taxes, social security contributions, and state spending. The budget was later withdrawn, but public anger persisted.
- Media estimates suggest over 100,000 participants, including students and urban professionals, took part in rallies across Sofia and other cities, demanding government accountability and reforms.
- Demonstrations highlighted frustration with oligarchic influence, particularly the influence of oligarch Delyan Peevski and his political backing, which opponents claim shaped government policy in favor of private interests.
- This resignation comes less than a year after the government took office and just weeks before Bulgaria is set to adopt the euro on January 1.
Bulgaria’s Government Resigns After Mass Anti-Corruption Protests
