Bulgarian opposition politician Ivaylo Mirchev accused the government and police on Monday of orchestrating a “scenario” that left anti-budget protesters exposed to violent football fan groups, after clashes erupted in central Sofia during a rally against the 2026 draft budget.
Mirchev, leader of “Yes, Bulgaria”, said police cordons were withdrawn at a critical moment, allowing groups of aggressive supporters to mix with peaceful demonstrators. “For some reason, the police were pulled back. From the entire Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard to Vasil Levski Boulevard there was not a single officer,” he told bTV.
The rally, organised by the “We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria” coalition, moved towards the headquarters of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) when tensions escalated. Mirchev said the aggressive groups were “paid agitators” and had no link to the legitimate protest. He said he tried to reach the interior minister, the prime minister and GERB leader Boyko Borissov.
Witnesses reported fireworks, small explosive devices and bottles thrown near the MRF building as some protesters chanted nationalist slogans. Police, initially stationed along the facade, pushed parts of the crowd back after heavy pyrotechnics were launched. A television cameraman said officers used tear gas near media crews.
The demonstration, held under the slogan “We will not let them rob us”, began outside the Council of Ministers shortly before 6 p.m., blocking traffic in the area. After speeches by PP-DB leaders, the crowd moved towards the headquarters of the MRF and later GERB.
Local media reported several injured and said officers were struggling to contain separate groups of masked youths moving through the city centre.
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