Archive · 2 Dec 2025
Thousands Protest Bulgaria's 2026 Euro Budget
Lots of people in Bulgaria are upset about the new budget plan for 2026.
This is the first budget made in euros, even though Bulgaria hasn't officially started using euros yet.
The government wants to spend more money, so they plan to raise taxes and social security payments.
People are worried this will make life more expensive and that the government isn't being honest.
Some protesters even threw things at the police.
The president of the European Central Bank also warned that prices might go up when Bulgaria starts using euros.
The government said they would talk more with different groups before making a final decision.
Thousands protested in Sofia and other cities against Bulgaria's 2026 budget plan, drafted in euros ahead of euro adoption.
Protesters clashed with police, throwing rocks and bottles at officers.
Opposition parties and organizations protest higher social security contributions and taxes on dividends to finance increased spending.
Around half of Bulgarians oppose adopting the euro, fearing it will impact sovereignty and lead to price hikes.
The government pledged to resubmit the budget for further consultations with opposition parties, trade unions, and employers.
- Who
- Thousands of protesters, opposition parties, trade unions, employers
- What
- Protests against the 2026 budget plan and euro adoption
- When
- December 1, 2023
- Where
- Sofia and other Bulgarian cities
- Why
- Opposition to higher taxes, social security contributions, and concerns over euro adoption
- Date of Protests
- December 1, 2023
- Location
- Sofia and other Bulgarian cities
- Budget Plan
- First drafted in euros
- Government Response
- Pledged to resubmit the budget for more consultations
- Protester Actions
- Clashed with police, threw rocks and bottles
- Opposition Concerns
- Higher social security contributions, taxes on dividends, state corruption
- Euro Adoption
- January 1, 2024
- ECB Warning
- Potential inflation jump with euro adoption