Thousands protest Bulgarian budget over corruption concerns
Several thousand demonstrators surrounded Bulgaria’s parliament in Sofia on Wednesday to protest the proposed 2026 national budget, which critics say could entrench government corruption. Protesters blocked lawmakers from leaving, calling for the resignation of what they termed “mafia” politicians and holding signs reading “No to shady deals.”
The budget includes tax increases and higher public sector salaries, measures the government presents as necessary fiscal reforms. Opponents argue that Bulgaria’s financial oversight institutions are too compromised to manage the funds properly, fearing the money could be misused rather than improving public services.
Protesters voiced concerns across generations. Maria Sirakova, 50, said, “These funds will be used to buy votes.” Law student Ivana Ivanova, 20, added that young Bulgarians expected better governance: “We chose to stay in Bulgaria, but not in a Bulgaria of dubious dealings.”
Organized by the pro-European CC/BD alliance, the rally drew support from across the political spectrum, including far-right and pro-Russian factions—a reflection of widespread frustration with government malfeasance.
Parliament is expected to vote on the budget in early December. The plan carries added significance as Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro on January 1, marking the nation’s first budget in the common currency.
Bulgaria consistently ranks among the EU’s most corrupt countries, alongside Hungary and Romania, according to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, underscoring the deep-seated public mistrust of government financial management.
