Bulgaria’s government has stepped down after less than a year in office, following weeks of nationwide protests over economic hardship and persistent corruption. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced the resignation in a televised address on Thursday, just minutes before parliament was set to vote on a no-confidence motion.
The dramatic development comes fewer than three weeks before Bulgaria is scheduled to officially join the eurozone on January 1, a milestone many citizens support but fear may be overshadowed by political instability.
Zhelyazkov explained that the ruling coalition reached the decision after evaluating the growing unrest and the public’s clear dissatisfaction.
“Our coalition met, we discussed the current situation, the challenges we face and the decisions we must responsibly make,” he said, confirming that the government would resign immediately.
“We realise that the protest was against arrogance and conceit. This is not a social protest but a protest for values.”
On Wednesday night, thousands of Bulgarians filled the streets of Sofia and dozens of other cities in the latest wave of demonstrations demanding accountability, cleaner governance, and an end to entrenched graft—issues that have plagued Bulgaria for years.
Many protesters, largely younger urban professionals, say they want Bulgaria to more fully integrate into the European mainstream as it prepares for eurozone accession. Despite joining the EU in 2007, Bulgaria remains its poorest and most corruption-plagued member state.
As the government steps aside, the country now faces renewed political uncertainty at a crucial moment in its economic and European trajectory. Further announcements are expected as preparations for a transitional administration begin.
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