Bulgarian Prime Minister Resigns Amid Protests Against Austerity and Corruption

SOFIA, Bulgaria — Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov resigned on December 11, 2025, following weeks of nationwide protests against proposed austerity measures and allegations of corruption. The resignation occurred just weeks before Bulgaria's scheduled accession to the eurozone on January 1, 2026.

The protests began in early December, triggered by the government's proposed 2026 budget, which included increased social security contributions and higher taxes on dividends. Demonstrators viewed these measures as exacerbating economic hardships and as a veiled attempt to mask rampant corruption. The protests quickly escalated, with over 100,000 participants reported in Sofia alone, marking one of the largest protest movements since the fall of communism in 1989.

Protesters also expressed anger over the influence of Delyan Peevski, a politician and oligarch whose Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) party supported the minority coalition government. Peevski has been sanctioned by the U.S. and U.K. for alleged corruption, bribery, and embezzlement, and is accused of influencing government policy to favor oligarchs.

In response to the mounting protests, the government withdrew the controversial 2026 budget proposal on November 27, 2025, and pledged to resubmit it after consultations with opposition parties, trade unions, and employers. Despite this concession, demonstrations continued, reflecting deep-seated public frustration with corruption and governance.

On December 11, 2025, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov announced his resignation in a televised statement, minutes before a scheduled no-confidence vote in parliament. He stated, "Our coalition met, we discussed the current situation, the challenges we face and the decisions we must responsibly make. Our desire is to be at the level that society expects. Power stems from the voice of the people."

The resignation of Zhelyazkov's government marks a significant political upheaval in Bulgaria, a country that has experienced considerable political instability, holding seven elections in the past four years. President Rumen Radev, who had also urged the government to step down, will now attempt to facilitate the formation of a new administration or appoint an interim one until fresh elections are organized.

This political turmoil comes at a critical juncture, as Bulgaria is set to join the eurozone on January 1, 2026. The transition to the euro has raised concerns about inflation and the lack of state oversight during the currency changeover. Analysts suggest that the protests may usher in a more accountable government, but the immediate future remains deeply uncertain.

The mass protests and subsequent government resignation underscore the Bulgarian populace's deep dissatisfaction with economic policies and perceived government misconduct. The proposed budget's austerity measures, coupled with longstanding corruption issues, have galvanized citizens across major cities to demand greater transparency and accountability from their leaders.

The political instability may have broader implications for regional stability and governance, particularly as Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro. The transition to the euro is a significant financial milestone, and the current unrest could impact the country's economic outlook and investor confidence.

As Bulgaria navigates this period of political and economic uncertainty, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the country's path forward, both domestically and within the broader European context.