Bulgarian Opposition Files Sixth No-Confidence Motion Against Zhelyazkov Government Over Economic Policy

Opposition Challenges Government on Economic Policy

SOFIA, Bulgaria – The Bulgarian opposition alliance We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (WCC-DB), joined by the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF) and MECH (Morality, Unity, Honour), officially submitted a no-confidence motion against the government of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov on Friday, December 5, 2025. The motion specifically targets the cabinet's economic policy, which opposition leaders claim has led to widespread public discontent and mass protests across the country.

This marks the sixth no-confidence attempt against the Zhelyazkov government since it took office on January 16, 2025. Previous motions, which were all rejected by parliament, focused on issues such as foreign affairs, corruption, fiscal management, environment and water sector, and internal security and justice.

Catalyst for the Motion and Government's Defense

The latest motion follows a period of significant public unrest, with mass protests erupting across Bulgaria. A key trigger for this discontent was the government's proposed 2026 draft budget, which included controversial measures such as an increase in state pension insurance contributions and a doubling of the dividend tax. The government subsequently withdrew the draft budget in response to the protests.

WCC-DB leaders, including Asen Vasilev and Bozhidar Bozhanov, have been vocal in their criticism, asserting that the government's economic policies are 'completely misguided' and have negatively impacted businesses, the middle class, and overall economic development. The motion was submitted by 61 Members of Parliament from the three opposition groups, with the symbolic involvement of young protesters to highlight the engagement of the younger generation.

Prime Minister Zhelyazkov's Stance

In response to the no-confidence motion, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov has stated that he will only resign if the vote passes in parliament, indicating no intention of stepping down voluntarily. He defended his government's economic record, highlighting a 3% economic growth rate for the year, which he described as 'double the European average.' Zhelyazkov also pointed to falling unemployment, substantial investments from the Recovery and Resilience Plan totaling approximately 5 billion leva (around 2.56 billion euro), and a historic increase of 9 billion leva (about 4.6 billion euro) in revenue collection compared to 2024.

Parliamentary Procedure and Outlook

According to parliamentary rules, the no-confidence motion must be debated within seven days of its submission and brought to a vote at least 24 hours after the debate concludes. For the motion to succeed, it requires the support of more than half of the 240 legislators in the National Assembly. The current government coalition, comprising GERB-UDF, the Bulgarian Socialist Party, and There is Such a People, holds 102 seats and typically relies on the support of DPS-New Beginning, which has 29 seats, to pass legislation.