Gen Z Protests Topple Bulgarian Government

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Bulgaria’s entire government collapsed under the weight of Gen Z-led protests that exposed deep-rooted corruption and forced a resignation just minutes before a no-confidence vote could oust them.

Story Highlights

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s government resigned December 11, 2025, after massive anti-corruption protests
Gen Z protesters organized through TikTok and Instagram, demanding transparency and economic opportunity
Controversial budget proposal would have raised taxes on private sector while giving bonuses to public officials
US-sanctioned oligarch Delyan Peevski’s influence over the coalition sparked public outrage
Bulgaria faces potential eighth snap election since 2020, threatening eurozone entry preparations

Youth Movement Forces Government Collapse

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced his government’s resignation on live television December 11, 2025, acknowledging that “young and older people have called for our resignation” and declaring “we are listening.” The resignation came minutes before parliament could vote on a no-confidence motion filed by opposition parties. Gen Z protesters, led by figures like Ani Bodakova and Kaloyan Vasev, organized the largest demonstrations in 30 years through social media platforms, chanting “Give us a reason to stay” as they demanded systemic change.

Budget Scandal Ignites Corruption Fury

The crisis erupted over a controversial 2026 budget proposal that shifted financial burdens onto private sector workers through higher social security contributions and dividend taxes. These increased costs would have funded bonuses for public officials and expanded state spending, triggering accusations of corruption and economic mismanagement. The government withdrew the budget proposal December 2 following initial protests, but protesters escalated their demands to include full government resignation and removal of Interior Minister Daniel Mitov.

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Sanctioned Oligarch’s Shadow Looms Large

The minority coalition government relied heavily on support from Delyan Peevski’s DPS-NN party, despite Peevski facing US and UK sanctions for corruption. Protesters specifically targeted the media mogul’s influence, viewing his backing of the coalition as emblematic of Bulgaria’s oligarch capture problem. Former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, leader of the GERB party, defended the budget and accused opposition groups of serving business lobby interests, further inflaming public anger against the political establishment.

Demonstrations spread across Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, and Veliko Tarnovo, with tens of thousands participating according to drone footage estimates. A Myara poll showed 71.3% of Bulgarians supported the protests, reflecting widespread frustration with chronic political instability that has produced seven snap elections since 2020. The timing proved particularly concerning as Bulgaria prepares for eurozone entry on January 1, 2026, requiring stable governance for successful currency transition.

Political Vacuum Threatens Economic Stability

President Rumen Radev now faces the challenge of facilitating talks among political parties to form a new government or appointing a caretaker cabinet if negotiations fail. The political vacuum risks delaying crucial eurozone preparations and budget planning, potentially undermining Bulgaria’s historic currency adoption. This crisis represents a generational shift, as Gen Z protesters lack the communist-era trauma that previously shaped Bulgarian politics, instead prioritizing transparency, job creation, and healthcare improvements over traditional party loyalties.

Bulgaria’s entire government resigns after mass protests over corruption….#Protest #Bulgaria #Sofia #Corruption #Politics #globalnews #Makaverse pic.twitter.com/szhA7W5U7L

— Makaverse – We Connect the Dots (@Makaverse_uk) December 11, 2025

The government’s collapse highlights the fundamental tensions between Bulgaria’s young population seeking economic opportunity and an entrenched political class tied to sanctioned oligarchs. With protests continuing despite the resignation, demonstrators signal their determination to achieve systemic reform rather than merely cosmetic political changes.