Bulgaria budget protest turns violent, 10 injured
Thousands of people took to the streets in Bulgaria to stage a major Bulgaria budget protest against the proposed 2026 budget draft Bulgaria.
The demonstrations quickly turned violent, with at least ten people, including two police officers, injured after demonstrators threw stones and firecrackers.
Anti-government protests swept across Bulgaria on the evening of Monday, December 1, hitting several cities including the capital, Sofia. Protesters marched directly to the ruling party's headquarters and began throwing stones. The situation became violent as police and protesters clashed after a group of alleged provocateurs infiltrated the crowd. Law enforcement responded with pepper spray and tear gas, while demonstrators retaliated by throwing fireworks and setting garbage containers on fire, leading to tear gas clashes.
The heart of the discontent is the Sofia government's intention to sharply increase pension contributions and raise taxes for both citizens and companies. Protest organizers claim the budget prioritizes "privileges for those who control state institutions" and warn that the new fiscal measures will trigger widespread price increases while simultaneously slowing down much-needed investments.
The statements from protesters on the scene reflect deep distrust:
The police were the ones who applied force. They came at us first with shields. Then I went to the front, without a mask, and stood still. There were many provocations from the protesters, but most came from the police.
The protest should not have reached this point. It should have been peaceful. The people doing this are not part of the peaceful protest. They are the so-called local provocateurs. The police are not to blame; there were no provocations from their side. We want to say that, right now, the entire system must be changed; it is no longer just about the budget. Protests must remain peaceful; there should be no clashes with the police; we are all on the same side, even if they feed off this corrupt system.
Not just because of the budget—because of everything happening in the country, the lack of accountability of politicians, the lack of law. I want to stay in Bulgaria; I want my children to live in Bulgaria; I want my parents to live with dignity.
I am here because of the abuses that have occurred recently, and especially because of this disgusting budget that aims to rob us again. And last but not least, because of the arrogant behavior of those responsible for these acts.
Bulgaria's budget for next year is set to be adopted in the final reading this week. During the presentation of the draft, the Government in Sofia stated that their priority is ensuring the long-term sustainability of public finances, in compliance with European criteria. In a related development, from January 1, Bulgaria Eurozone entry will officially occur. This move is expected to generate increased inflation, and the European Commission estimates that the budget deficit could consequently reach up to 4.3% of the Gross Domestic Product in 2027.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
