Bulgarian Government Resigns Amid Widespread Anti-Corruption Protests

The Bulgarian government has officially resigned following a series of large-scale public demonstrations against corruption and the proposed budget for the upcoming year. Prime Minister Rossen Scheljaskow, who initially rejected the calls for resignation, announced the decision after a high-level meeting between coalition leaders in Sofia. The move comes in response to persistent civil unrest, with citizens from various backgrounds mobilizing across the country to demand greater transparency and accountability from their leaders.

Since the beginning of December, tens of thousands of Bulgarians have repeatedly taken to the streets, expressing discontent over what they perceive as deeply entrenched corruption within the government. The immediate catalyst for the protests was the government's draft budget for 2026. Critics argued that the proposed budget would obscure systemic corruption rather than address it. Despite the government's withdrawal of the budget plan, public demonstrations intensified, culminating in one of the largest gatherings seen in Bulgaria in recent years on Sofia's parliamentary square.

The government's resignation occurs just as Bulgaria approaches a significant milestone: the planned adoption of the euro as its official currency at the start of the new year. The political turbulence adds further uncertainty to this transition, which is viewed as a pivotal step in the country's integration into the broader European Union framework. President Rumen Radew, who had also urged the government to step down, is now tasked with facilitating the formation of a new government. Should political parties fail to establish a stable coalition, the president will appoint an interim administration to oversee the country until fresh elections can be held.

This latest upheaval follows a prolonged period of political instability in Bulgaria. Since major anti-corruption protests erupted in 2020 against the administration of then-Prime Minister Bojko Borissow, Bulgaria has witnessed seven snap elections. The most recent government, a coalition led by Borissow's Gerb party and headed by Scheljaskow, managed to remain in power for less than a year before succumbing to the mounting pressure from the public.

Bulgaria continues to face significant challenges in addressing corruption. According to Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, the country ranks alongside Hungary and Romania as the least successful in combating corruption among EU member states. The persistent lack of progress on this front has fueled widespread public frustration and contributed to the current wave of protests and political resignations.

As Bulgaria prepares for the introduction of the euro and the formation of a new government, the nation confronts critical questions about its future direction. The ongoing civic engagement highlights a growing demand for reform and a more transparent, accountable leadership. The outcome of the coming weeks will shape Bulgaria's political landscape and its standing within the European Union.