Bulgaria ditches budget plan after tens of thousands join protests

Tens of thousands of Bulgarians took to the streets on Monday night in a show of force against the government's 2026 budget plan, prompting it to abandon its contentious proposals. The protests were sparked by widespread concerns about corruption and the proposed financial framework for Bulgaria's adoption of the euro currency.

Protesters in the capital city, Sofia, filled a huge square outside parliament carrying signs that urged change in leadership. Similar demonstrations took place in other cities across the country, with critics of the abandoned budget plan saying they were protesting against increases to social security contributions and taxes on dividends to finance higher spending. The protesters also highlighted their opposition to state corruption.

The government had defended its budget plan as necessary for Bulgaria's integration into the EU and its adoption of the euro currency next year. However, the scale of the protests led to a dramatic U-turn by the ruling conservative Gerb party, with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announcing that the government would withdraw its draft proposals.

The opposition party has called for the government to resign, saying abandoning the draft budget is not enough. The situation in Bulgaria remains tense, with concerns about the potential impact of the abandoned budget plan on public finances and the country's economic stability.

Bulgaria is set to adopt the euro currency on January 1, 2026, but public opinion over adopting the euro is divided. Some Bulgarians fear that it could lead to sharp inflation in what is one of the EU's poorest countries. The government has acknowledged these concerns, and the protests may have helped to pressure it into taking a more cautious approach.

The country has been plagued by frequent protests against government corruption since 2020, with many short-lived governments resulting from public discontent. The latest development highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and its citizens, with the opposition party demanding greater transparency and accountability.

Just saw the news about Bulgaria's protests... seems like the people are getting tired of all the corruption and lack of transparency. I think it's awesome that tens of thousands took to the streets to make their voices heard . Now, I'm not sure if abandoning the budget plan is enough for some folks but I guess it's a good start. Bulgaria deserves better than corruption and uncertainty . Hope the opposition party can push for real change now

Just read about these huge protests in Bulgaria... people are really upset about the budget plan . I feel bad for them, corruption is such a big issue everywhere. The fact that the gov's proposals were abandoned after so many people took to the streets shows that it must've been pretty persuasive . But at the same time, I hope they can come up with something better soon 'cause Bulgaria's economic situation does seem quite unstable right now . And honestly, adopting the euro currency is a big deal for them... I mean, who knows how it'll affect inflation and stuff? Guess only time will tell!

Ugh, another gov't backpedals because of a mass protest... what's up with that? Can't they just make decisions without being swayed by angry mobs? And now they're just gonna withdraw their plans for the euro currency and hope everything magically fixes itself? Like, nope. This is just gonna lead to more uncertainty and chaos in the long run... And what about all the people who were looking forward to adopting the euro as a way to boost their economy? Now they're stuck with even higher taxes and social security contributions? This whole thing is just another example of gov't incompetence...

man I'm actually kinda glad to see the protesters in Bulgaria making their voices heard ! all that drama around the budget plan was giving me anxiety lol but now it's like they're getting somewhere. i know some ppl are worried about adopting the euro, but at least the gov's listening and acknowledging those concerns is a good step. plus, it's not like this is the first time the government's had to back down - they've been doing that for years since 2020 so maybe they're finally getting the message? we'll just have to wait and see how everything plays out now

[Image of Grumpy Cat holding a sign that says "I had fun once!"] Bulgaria's protests are just another reminder that you can't buy happiness... or a stable economy [GIF of people marching in unison, with the words "Protest Life" written above them]

I'm not surprised to see Bulgarians standing up for themselves like this... it's a cry for change, you know? It's like they're saying, "We've been feeling stuck in a rut, unable to move forward because of corruption and inequality." And the government just ignored it... or tried to sweep it under the rug. But the people aren't having it anymore. They want more transparency, accountability, and a fair shot at life. It's not about the budget plan per se, but about feeling like their voices are being heard. It's scary, because what happens when they finally get the change they're looking for? Will it be a utopia or just another system with its own set of problems?

Dude , I'm not surprised to see Bulgarians taking to the streets about this budget plan . Corruption is a huge issue in that country and it's always going to be a problem until something changes . The fact that the government was going to make them pay more taxes on dividends is just unfair . And now they're abandoning the proposals? It's like, too little, too late .

I mean, can you blame the protesters for being upset? Bulgaria's economy is already struggling and adopting the euro could be a big hit or miss . I'm not saying it's all doom and gloom, but people need to be careful about how they're handling this transition .

It's interesting that the opposition party wants the government to resign now . That's going to make things even more complicated. And what about the state of Bulgaria's public finances? Is it really stable enough to handle this kind of change? I don't know, but one thing's for sure: this is a messy situation and it'll take some careful handling to get through it .

I'm still trying to process what's happening in Bulgaria... I think it's really interesting that the protests were able to bring about a change in the government's plans. At first, it seemed like they were just going to push ahead with their budget proposals, but the scale of the protests was just too much for them to ignore.

I'm not surprised that the opposition party is calling for the government to resign now - if this plan was going to lead to sharp inflation and affect people's living standards, I think it's only fair that they're held accountable. The fact that some Bulgarians are worried about adopting the euro currency makes sense too... Bulgaria has been one of the poorer countries in the EU for a while now.

I'm just glad that the protests were peaceful (from what I can see) and that no one was hurt. It's always better to resolve issues like this through dialogue rather than violence, don't you think?

I feel for those Bulgarians who took to the streets last night . It's so concerning when corruption feels like it's got everyone by the throat . I can imagine how scary it must be for people to see their government proposing more taxes just to 'finance' a euro adoption plan . And now, with the protests having made such a huge impact, it'll be interesting to see if any real change happens .

Personally, I think it's fab that all those protesters showed up and made some noise . Sometimes, you just need to get people talking about an issue and pushing for change . The fact that the government had to backtrack on its proposals is a good sign, but let's not forget, this isn't over yet .

We should all be supporting these protesters and demanding more from our governments . Corruption is such a big deal, and it feels like we're only just starting to see some real movement towards change . Fingers crossed that next year, Bulgaria will be making progress on those corruption issues

just saw that in bulgaria tens of thousands are taking to the streets about their budget plan lol what's going on over there? i feel like they're trying to bring about some change but at the same time it's super concerning how divided public opinion is about adopting the euro currency . can't help but wonder if the government was just gonna push through regardless of what the people wanted or did they actually listen to the protests this time?

people r going mental in bulgaria they took to the streets against the govts budget plan cuz of corruption & euro currency thingys... i think it's a big deal tho now the gov is all like "oh no we wont do that" but the opposition party is still asking for the gov to resign lol what's gonna happen in 2026? will bulgaria be ready for the euro or wut

just saw this news about Bulgarians protesting against their govts budget plan... I gotta say, I'm not surprised at all . Corruption and lack of transparency have been major issues in that country for ages! But what's crazy is how much it affected the government - they basically had to abandon their plans mid-air .

I think this shows that when citizens make their voices heard, govts can actually listen (although, like you said, sometimes that doesn't lead to actual change ). And on a personal level, I'm just glad people are speaking up and not being silenced . Now, let's talk about life hacks... have you guys ever tried the Pomodoro Technique? It's a game-changer for productivity!

I gotta say, it's kinda crazy how the gov't got shut down by a big protest! Bulgaria's been dealing with corruption issues for ages, and it's about time something gets done about it. The fact that they're gonna withdraw the draft proposals is a win for the people, but I think the opposition's still right - resigning the gov't shouldn't be enough, they need to make some real changes. I'm all for Bulgaria joining the eurozone, but not if it means hurting the average person's wallet. The gov't needs to listen more and act less . This is a major wake-up call for 'em!

OMG, I'm literally shaking my head ... I mean, I get why people are upset about corruption and wanting more financial stability. But can't we just have a calm and rational conversation about it? Like, what's the point of protests if we're not going to find any real solutions? My kid was at school when this happened, and all she could talk about is how unfair it is ... I mean, who wants their parents' money taken away from them just because the government doesn't agree on something? It's like, can't we all just get along and find a way to make Bulgaria happy for everyone?

just saw those epic pics of Bulgarians protesting against the gov't budget plan i gotta say, it's kinda inspiring to see ppl come together like that when it comes to matters of corruption and fairness. but what really gets me is how they're pushing for change in leadership we all know how hard it can be for governments to listen to their people, especially when the stakes are high like this. anyway, it's heartening to see that these protests might have forced the gov't to reconsider and who knows, maybe Bulgaria will finally get the transparency and accountability they deserve

Protesters in Bulgaria are really making their voices heard! Their concerns about corruption and the euro adoption plan are totally valid . It's crazy that they had to take to the streets to get the gov to back down . The opposition party is right though, just abandoning the budget isn't enough . Bulgaria needs real change now .

The government's U-turn is a big deal , and it shows that public opinion can make a difference . But what about the economic implications of adopting the euro? Will it lead to inflation like some people fear? We'll have to wait and see how things play out .

The protests are just another example of the country's ongoing struggles with corruption and governance . It's a tough situation, but I hope that Bulgaria can come out stronger on the other side . Can't wait to see what 2026 brings!

the fact that Bulgarians are fighting for their rights is giving me LIFE i mean, it's amazing to see people standing up against corruption and demanding change what's even more inspiring is that they're not just focusing on one issue, but rather addressing the root of the problem - state corruption the fact that the government had to abandon its proposals shows that their efforts are being heard and now it's time for them to follow through on those promises let's keep holding our leaders accountable and support each other in this fight

just saw that 50k+ Bulgarians took to the streets against gov's budget plan! What's crazy is 70% of protesters were under 30 , and it shows they're not afraid to speak out . The gov had to abandon its plans due to the massive protests . This is huge news - Bulgaria's been experiencing frequent protests since 2020 . If you look at the graph of public trust in government over the past few years, it's a downward trend . It's all about transparency and accountability for them . Anyway, here's some data on the protests: 40% of protesters were students , while 30% were from low-income backgrounds . The gov's got a tough road ahead of it .

omg I'm so impressed by these Bulgarians for standing up to their gov ! protesting for change is always a powerful way to make your voice heard and it's awesome that their efforts led to the gov abandoning those super contentious budget proposals . i feel bad for them, though - all this stress and uncertainty can't be easy on anyone . but hey, at least they got a message across and hopefully, it'll lead to more positive change in the country . and omg, can you believe they're adopting the euro currency next year?! that's such an exciting development for them !