Bulgaria’s parliament approved on Wednesday the withdrawal of the 2026 state budget, as well as the budgets for the National Health Insurance Fund and social security, in a move that underscores mounting political instability and public dissatisfaction with the government.
The proposal, initiated by the “There Is Such a People” party, received overwhelming support, with 201 deputies voting in favor. Members of the “Velichie” party abstained. Attempts by the opposition and the nationalist “Vazrazhdane” party to summon Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova for explanations on the failed budget process were blocked by the parliamentary chair, Kostadin Angelov, who ruled the minister’s presence was not obligatory as the motion did not originate from the government.
Deputy Asen Vasilev of the PP-DB coalition criticized the withdrawal, saying the budget had previously been presented as the only feasible option, while Martin Dimitrov expressed doubts that any new budget would deliver meaningful spending reforms. Other voices from the MECh party also questioned the government’s ability to implement the necessary adjustments.
The decision follows weeks of escalating public protests. President Rumen Radev described the demonstrations as an outpouring of citizen frustration against corruption, mismanagement, and the perceived capture of the state by oligarchic interests. “The authorities have been embarrassed, resignation is urgent, and early elections are the only way forward,” Radev said in a nationwide address.
Former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, leader of the opposition GERB party, framed the budget withdrawal as an opportunity to force a new parliamentary coalition. Writing on social media, he said the government should either collaborate with GERB to form a 121-deputy majority to pass a new budget, or the country should head to elections.
Analysts say the combined effect of political gridlock, mass protests, and regional economic pressures has deepened public distrust in Bulgaria’s governing coalition. The withdrawal of the 2026 budget is unlikely to resolve underlying issues, setting the stage for renewed confrontations between the government, opposition parties, and civil society.