Bulgarian Government Resigns Amid Widespread Protests Over Corruption and Economic Policies

Government Steps Down After Weeks of Unrest

The Bulgarian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, officially resigned on December 11, 2025, after facing weeks of widespread public demonstrations across the country. The resignation came just weeks before Bulgaria is slated to join the eurozone on January 1, 2026.

Prime Minister Zhelyazkov announced his government's decision shortly before a scheduled no-confidence vote in parliament. On December 12, 2025, the Bulgarian Parliament formally approved the resignation, with 227 members of the 240-seat legislature supporting the move. Zhelyazkov's government had been in office for less than a year, having been sworn in on January 16, 2025.

Catalyst for Protests: Economic Policies and Corruption

The mass protests were primarily fueled by public anger over perceived economic mismanagement, rampant corruption, and the influence of oligarchs in policy decisions. A direct trigger for the demonstrations was the government's proposed 2026 budget, which included plans for higher taxes, increased social security contributions, and expanded state spending. Although the contentious budget plan was later withdrawn, public outrage persisted and broadened into calls for the government's resignation.

Protesters also voiced strong opposition to the perceived influence of figures like politician and media mogul Delyan Peevski, who has been sanctioned by both the United States and the United Kingdom. His party, MRF New Beginning, provided crucial support to Zhelyazkov's minority government.

Scale of Public Discontent and Eurozone Concerns

The demonstrations, described as the largest in decades, saw tens of thousands of Bulgarians take to the streets in cities across the nation, including over 100,000 in the capital, Sofia. Many protesters were young Bulgarians, with some sources labeling the movement as a 'Gen Z protest'. The public's frustration also encompassed concerns about the upcoming adoption of the euro, with fears of potential inflation and economic instability.

In his resignation statement, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov acknowledged the public sentiment, stating, 'Our desire is to be at the level that society expects. Power stems from the voice of the people.' He further added, 'People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and religions have spoken out in favour of resignation. This civic energy must be supported and encouraged.'

Political Future and Potential Snap Elections

With the government's resignation, President Rumen Radev is now tasked with initiating consultations with parliamentary parties to form a new cabinet. Should these attempts prove unsuccessful, a caretaker government will be appointed, likely paving the way for snap elections. This marks a period of significant political instability for Bulgaria, which has seen seven parliamentary elections since 2021.