The leader of Bulgaria’s nationalist pro-Russian party Vazrazhdane, Kostadin Kostadinov, called for the resignation of the country’s coalition government on Tuesday, saying ongoing protests must continue until early elections are held.
In a statement distributed by the party’s press office, Kostadinov said the mass demonstrations, which drew tens of thousands of people to Sofia and other cities, were a clear signal that citizens demand accountability for what he described as “ruling mafia” corruption.
“This is the short and clear position of Vazrazhdane,” he said. “Hundreds of thousands of Bulgarians across the country are calling for resignation, trial and prison for the ruling elite.”
Kostadinov accused the coalition of perpetuating decades of corruption and warned against allowing protesters to be “deceived or used” in political manoeuvres. He urged citizens to vote for “freedom and a decent life” rather than material incentives, adding, “It is time to re-establish the state.”
Bulgaria’s coalition government, led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and composed of GERB, the Bulgarian Socialist Party, and the populist ITN party, is facing unprecedented public pressure over the proposed 2026 budget and broader concerns about corruption and governance.
Protests erupted last week after the government proposed higher social security contributions and dividend taxes, measures critics say would disproportionately impact ordinary citizens. The demonstrations coincide with Bulgaria’s preparations to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026.
Kostadinov’s comments came as local authorities reported clashes between some protesters and police in Sofia, with objects thrown and minor injuries reported.