Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Sofia and several other Bulgarian cities on Monday to protest the government’s proposed 2026 budget—the first drafted in euros ahead of the country’s planned adoption of the common currency on January 1. The protests, organised by the opposition PP-DB coalition, saw crowds rally outside parliament, where some participants clashed with police and threw stones, bottles and firecrackers. Officers cordoned off buildings linked to the ruling parties to contain the unrest.

The demonstrations follow a similar wave of protests on November 28, after which the minority government led by Rosen Zhelyazkov agreed to re-submit the draft budget for further consultations. The spending plan had already passed a first reading in a parliamentary committee earlier in November. Critics argue the proposed increases in social security contributions and taxes on dividends are unjustified and accuse the government of mismanaging public funds.

Public concern has also grown over Bulgaria’s upcoming transition to the euro. Nearly half the population opposes the move, citing fears over national sovereignty and potential price hikes during the currency changeover. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde recently cautioned that inflation may rise when Bulgaria joins the eurozone.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright