Tue Dec 02 14:56:04 UTC 2025: ## Bulgaria Scraps Controversial Budget After Mass Protests

Sofia, Bulgaria – The Bulgarian government has withdrawn its controversial 2026 budget proposal after days of nationwide protests, sparked by concerns over increased taxes, potential inflation, and entrenched corruption. The move comes amidst ongoing political instability and deep divisions regarding the country’s potential adoption of the Euro.

According to a government statement released Tuesday, Parliament has been asked to withdraw the budget, which has been met with widespread public anger. Critics argued that the plan, the first to be calculated in euros, would disproportionately burden businesses and workers through higher taxes and increased social security contributions, while failing to address widespread corruption.

“We are here to protest for our future. We want to be a European country, not one ruled by corruption and the mafia,” said Ventsislava Vasileva, a student participating in the demonstrations, echoing the sentiments of many protesters. Bulgaria is currently ranked as the most corrupt country in the EU by Transparency International.

Organizers estimate that approximately 50,000 people participated in youth-led protests in Sofia and other major cities on Monday night. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “we will not allow ourselves to be lied to; we will not allow ourselves to be robbed” and demanded the government revise the budget or resign.

While organizers urged peaceful assembly, clashes broke out between a small group of protesters and police. Demonstrators reportedly hurled rocks and firecrackers, damaging police cars, leading to the deployment of riot gear and pepper spray by law enforcement. Several people were hospitalized, and police detained 10 individuals.

Opponents argued the now-abandoned budget would increase public debt, fuel inflation, and fail to improve public services. While the government maintained the plan was necessary to meet Eurozone deficit requirements, around half of Bulgarians oppose adopting the Euro, fearing price hikes and a loss of national sovereignty.

The state-owned Bulgarian News Agency reports that the cabinet will begin drafting a new budget after Parliament officially withdraws the previous bill. The future of Bulgaria’s economic policy and its path towards Eurozone integration remain uncertain.

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