Sofia [Bulgaria], December 13: Bulgaria's pro-Western government unexpectedly resigned on Thursday in the wake of large-scale street protests and allegations of corruption.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov made the announcement ahead of a planned vote of no confidence in parliament brought by the opposition.
Zhelyazkov and his Cabinet will continue in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed. It was initially unclear whether early elections would be required.
Tens of thousands of people participated in protests across the country on Wednesday evening calling for the centre-right government to step down.
Zhelyazkov said he now intended to meet that demand, telling the BTA news agency that power derives from "the voice of the people." Only a day earlier, he had signalled he would try to hold on, saying it was "not the time to abandon ship." The protests began two weeks ago, originally against the government's draft budget for 2026, which would have raised taxes. They quickly broadened to target the Zhelyazkov's government itself.
After riots at the ruling party's headquarters, the Cabinet withdrew the controversial budget plan.
Zhelyazkov's government of conservatives, socialists and populists has been in office only since mid-January 2025.
Formed as a compromise after Bulgaria's seventh parliamentary election in three and a half years, the minority government has relied on support from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), a fourth party viewed with suspicion by the opposition.
The United States and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on the DPS's influential leader, Delyan Peevski, for alleged corrupt activities.
The political turmoil comes at a historic moment for Bulgaria. The EU country is set to introduce the euro on January 1, 2026, becoming the 21st member of the currency union.
The move faces resistance from the pro-Russian, nationalist opposition party Vazrazhdane (Revival).
Source: Qatar Tribune