Bulgaria’s government resigned on Thursday after less than a year in power, following weeks of widespread protests over economic policies and perceived failures to tackle corruption.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced the decision in a televised address just before parliament was set to vote on a no-confidence motion. The resignation comes less than three weeks before Bulgaria is scheduled to join the eurozone on January 1.
Zhelyazkov described the move as a responsible decision by the coalition, acknowledging the public’s anger. Thousands of Bulgarians rallied across Sofia and other cities, protesting not only economic measures—such as proposed hikes in social security contributions and taxes on dividends—but also entrenched corruption and government arrogance. Many demonstrators are young, urban professionals supporting Bulgaria’s eurozone accession and European integration.
Despite withdrawing its 2026 budget plan following initial protests, the government continued to face demonstrations.
Opposition leader Asen Vassilev of Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB), which filed the no-confidence motion, said the resignation is “the first step towards Bulgaria becoming a normal European country” and called for free and fair elections, criticizing past parliamentary polls for electoral manipulation.
President Rumen Radev will now ask parties in parliament to form a new government. If they fail, an interim administration will oversee the country until elections can be held.
Boyko Borissov, leader of the centre-right GERB party that headed the outgoing coalition, defended the government’s record, highlighting achievements such as joining the Schengen zone and completing preparations for euro adoption. He vowed that GERB would serve as a strong opposition and work to win the next elections.
The resignation underscores Bulgaria’s ongoing political instability, with the country having held seven national elections in the past four years, reflecting deep divisions and persistent public dissatisfaction with governance and corruption.
