Mass Protests Lead to Resignation of Bulgarian Prime Minister and Government

Sun Dec 14 2025 10:40:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov resigns amid widespread protests against government corruption, just weeks before the country adopts the euro.

Following massive demonstrations across Bulgaria, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and his government have resigned. The protests were driven by public outrage over alleged corruption and government actions, prompting the prime minister to acknowledge the voice of the citizens. With tens of thousands rallying for change, the political landscape in Bulgaria has shifted dramatically just before the nation is set to join the eurozone.

The government of Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov has resigned after protesters took to the streets in cities across the country and filled the centre of the capital Sofia on Wednesday night.

Zhelyazkov's dramatic move came ahead of a vote of no confidence in parliament and only weeks before Bulgaria is set to adopt the euro.

Protesters accused his minority centre-right government, in power since January, of widespread corruption, leading to the scrapping of a controversial budget plan in response to earlier demonstrations.

We hear the voice of citizens protesting against the government, Zhelyazkov stated in a televised address. Both young and old have raised their voices for our resignation. This civic energy must be supported and encouraged. A statement on the government website confirmed that ministers would continue their roles until a new cabinet is elected.

Rallying in Sofia's central Triangle of Power and Independence Square, between 50,000 and 100,000 demonstrated against the government, demanding accountability. The phrases Resignation and Mafia Out were projected onto the parliament building.

President Rumen Radev also supported the protesters' demands for the government to step down.

Zhelyazkov's government had previously survived five votes of no confidence but was expected to face a sixth on Thursday. Many protesters were particularly angered by the influence of controversial political figures Delyan Peevski and former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

Peevski faces sanctions from the US and UK for alleged corruption, while Borissov's party was instrumental in keeping the government in power.

In his resignation statement, Zhelyazkov outlined that Bulgaria faces significant challenges, urging citizens to provide authentic proposals for future governance. Despite the political upheaval, Bulgaria's upcoming transition to the euro is not viewed as being in jeopardy.

Bulgaria ranks high in perceived official corruption within Europe, according to Transparency International, highlighting the urgency for reform.