People on the streets against corruption and Bulgaria's government fell in 11 months, PM resigned

News Topical, Digital Desk : Bulgaria's Prime Minister resigned on Thursday. His government lasted barely a year. For weeks, people in the country had been taking to the streets to protest inflation, economic policies, and the lack of action against corruption. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced his resignation just before a vote on a no-confidence motion in Parliament.

In a televised address, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov said the coalition parties had reviewed the situation and, taking responsibility, decided to resign. The move comes as Bulgaria prepares to join the euro zone on January 1. Thousands of people rallied against corruption in several cities, including the capital, Sofia, on Wednesday night. People are increasingly angry that successive governments have failed to eradicate corruption over the years.

The government admitted its mistake

Zhelyazkov acknowledged that the protests were against arrogance and attitude. He said that this was not just a political protest, but a movement for values, involving different segments of society. Most of the protesters are young people and urban professionals who support joining the euro zone and want to see the country move closer to the European mainstream. However, Bulgaria is still considered one of the poorest and most corrupt members of the EU .

Last week, the government withdrew its first euro-based budget for 2026. It proposed increases in social security contributions and dividend taxes, sparking public outrage. Protests continued even after the budget was withdrawn. The country has seen seven elections in the past four years, leading to persistent political instability.

Opposition demands

Asen Vasilev, leader of the opposition party CC-DB, said the resignation was the first step towards becoming a normal European country. He demanded that the next elections be fair and without any fraud. President Rumen Radev will now try to form a new government from the parties in parliament. However, this is unlikely to succeed. In such a situation, the president will have to appoint an interim government.

GERB party leader and former PM Boyko Borisov listed the outgoing government's achievements , such as entry into the Schengen area and preparations for the euro zone , and said they would now play the role of a strong opposition.

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