US EditionBulgaria’s government withdraws controversial budget after major protests
Tens of thousands protested a budget seen as risking inflation and corruption; 50,000 attended Sofia rally, with over 70 arrests after clashes with police, officials said.
- On Tuesday, Bulgaria's government announced it was withdrawing a controversial budget proposal after protests that drew tens of thousands and involved clashes with police in Sofia.
- Opposition and business groups warned higher taxes, social contributions and spending could hurt investment and expand the shadow economy as Bulgaria prepares to join the eurozone next year, while the government argued the draft was needed to meet the eurozone deficit rule under 3% of GDP.
- Organizers said about 50,000 people attended the main protest in Sofia, dominated by young protesters with banners invoking Generation Z and chants for 'Resignation.'
- Clashes escalated as police in full riot gear used pepper spray, emergency services treated several injured people in hospitals, and 10 people were detained.
- After first promising a revision last week, the government refused to withdraw the draft, prompting renewed protests on Monday night amid Bulgaria's upcoming eurozone entry next year, with opposition and business groups warning of economic risks.
35 Articles
35 Articles
In Bulgaria, we protest for enlargement took place this evening in 12 cities, including Sofia. In an unprecedented move, Parliament withdrew the budget proposal for 2026 this evening in hopes that it will avoid such new elections...
Bulgaria’s Parliament Approves Withdrawal of Budget After Mass Protests
On Wednesday, December 3rd, Bulgaria’s parliament voted to allow the government to withdraw its 2026 budget proposal and submit a new one, following massive protests fuelled by accusations that the draft was intended to conceal rampant corruption. On Thursday, November 27th, the Bulgarian government said it will withdraw the draft budget for 2026, with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov pledging to resume dialogue with employers and trade unions. T…
Bulgarians Hold Mass Protest Against 'Absurd' Budget Plan
Bulgaria's government has withdrawn a state budget plan after facing the largest demonstrations the country has seen since the 1990s. Protesters gathered in the capital, Sofia, and other cities on December 1 to accuse the government of prioritizing its own salaries over the needs of workers.
Demonstrators rioted, believing that the government was corrupt and that the budget included tax increases.
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