Protests Erupt In Bulgaria Over Budget, Government 'Corruption'

Crowds fill the square in front of Bulgaria's parliament building in Sofia on December 1.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Sofia, while separate protests were held in at least a dozen other cities throughout the country. The unrest broke out over a draft 2026 budget that raises taxes and social-security payments, angering many citizens who view the government as corrupt.

Women chanting outside the parliament building in Sofia.

The massive protests broke out as Bulgaria's government sought to push through the controversial 2026 budget, which it had earlier said it would withdraw.

Alexander Karatov was one of the protesters on the streets in Sofia on December 1. He told RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service, "I notice how, as a worker, I am already being stolen from, regularly. And they want to steal more." The protest is the first he has attended. "I had to speak up, I had to come out, I felt obligated," he said.

Protesters in Sofia hold a placard bearing a Jolly Roger from the popular Japanese manga series One Piece. The symbol has been used in youth protests throughout the world in recent years.

Karolina Koleva was another among the crowds who spoke to RFE/RL.

"I'm fine to contribute from my own salary if this money goes to people who need it, like pensioners, mothers, teachers, and for health care," she said. "But right now, this [additional tax and social-security] money will sink once more into bonuses for people who in no way contribute to the development of the country."

Protesters with a placard of Bulgarian politician Delyan Peevski during the protests in Sofia.

The Bulgarian politician is currently sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom over corruption allegations.

A protester runs with a metal parking bollard during the demonstration in Sofia, which turned violent on the evening of December 1.

Protesters smash the windows of a political office in Sofia.

A demonstrator pushes a flaming dumpster as fights broke out between protesters and police in Sofia.

A protester prepares to hurl an object at police.

The protests come as Bulgaria prepares to adopt the European common currency, the euro, on January 1, 2026.