Tens of thousands join anti-government protests across Bulgaria

Описание: (11 Dec 2025)
RESTRICTIONS SUMMARY:

++NIGHT SHOTS++

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sofia, Bulgaria - 10 December 2025
1. Various of protests
2. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Georg Petrov, Student at National Arts Academy:
"We are not protesting only against the budget, we are demanding the government’s overthrow for its irresponsibility, negligence, and the disgrace it has brought upon Bulgaria."
++SOUNDBITE CONTINUES OVER SHOTS 3 AND 4++
3. Petrov waving flag
4. Various high shots of protest
5. Protesters marching
6. Close of protesters
7. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Elly Martinova, teacher:
"We are protesting because people are exhausted from being manipulated, robbed, lied to, deceived, impoverished and seeing countless human lives destroyed."
++SOUNDBITE COVERS SHOTS 8 AND 9++
8. Various of protest
9. Protesters waving flags
10. Wide of protest


STORYLINE:
Tens of thousands joined the latest massive protests across Bulgaria on Wednesday, accusing the government of widespread corruption and underscoring political rifts just weeks before the country is to join European nations that use the euro as the official currency at the start of next year.

The demonstrations came after last week’s protests that were sparked by the government’s budget plans for higher taxes, increased social security contributions and spending increases. The government later withdrew the controversial 2026 budget plan.

The protesters' demands have since expanded to include calls for the center-right government of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov to resign.

In the capital, Sofia, protesters gathered on a central square where the parliament, the government and the presidency buildings are located. Chanting “Resignation” and “Mafia,” they called on Zhelyazkov's minority coalition Cabinet to step down.

Students from Sofia's universities joined the protests, which organizers said outnumbered last week's rallies that drew over 50,000 people. Media estimates based on drone visuals put the number of protesters at over 100,000.

At the core of the protesters' frustrations is the role of Bulgarian politician and oligarch Delyan Peevski, who has been sanctioned by both the United States and Britain, and whose MRF New Beginning party backs the government. Peevski has been accused by opponents of helping shaping government policy in line with oligarchic interests.

No violence was reported and the protests ended peacefully.

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