Tens of thousands of Bulgarians, many of them young, marched in Sofia and cities nationwide on Monday in the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years, denouncing planned tax hikes and what they see as entrenched corruption under the current ruling parties.
Crowds packed Independence Square in the capital, waving Bulgarian and EU flags and chanting “Gen Z won’t stay silent” as they moved toward parliament. Public transport stations were overwhelmed as people headed downtown, and large screens on the square displayed satirical videos targeting political leaders.
The protests began last week after the government proposed a 2026 budget that included higher taxes and social security contributions. Business groups and trade unions called it “the worst budget in 30 years.” Former prime minister Boyko Borissov initially said the draft would be withdrawn, but the decision was later reversed, triggering further anger.
Issues ranging from low wages for young professionals to concerns over democratic backsliding have since dominated social media. High-profile entertainers and influencers urged people to join demonstrations, drawing many first-time protesters.
On Monday evening, some in the crowd marched toward the headquarters of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), the party of sanctioned businessman Delyan Peevski. A small group then clashed with police, throwing bottles and firecrackers and setting rubbish bins on fire. Offices of Borissov’s GERB party were vandalized and two trams damaged.
Opposition figures accused authorities of allowing provocations to discredit the rallies, a claim police denied. Several officers told protesters they would not use force, saying many of their own friends and relatives were demonstrating.
Protesters blame Borissov, who leads the ruling GERB party but holds no formal government post, and Peevski, whose DPS – Novo Nachalo party supports the minority coalition, for what they describe as systemic corruption, nepotism and pressure on the judiciary. Bulgaria ranks near the bottom of EU indices on graft and media freedom.
The government on Tuesday again announced it would withdraw the budget proposal, and parliament voted on Wednesday to repeal it. Opposition coalition We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria called for the government to resign and plans to seek a no-confidence vote on Friday.
President Rumen Radev criticised the cabinet and has hinted at calling early elections, amid widespread speculation he is preparing a new political project before his term ends in 2026.
Organisers say new protests are planned for next week. Demonstrators insist their demands go beyond the budget and reflect a broader desire for clean governance and a future in Bulgaria.
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