Bulgaria has plunged into one of its most turbulent political crises in years, as President Rumen Radev issued a dramatic public call for the government to resign immediately, declaring that only new elections can restore stability and public trust. The appeal comes after massive street protests, clashes with police, surging anger over proposed tax hikes, and fresh corruption allegations rocking the already fragile coalition in Sofia.
In a televised address that electrified an already volatile atmosphere, Radev warned that Bulgaria is facing “a historic moment” — and that the ruling coalition has lost all legitimacy.
Radev: The Government Has Failed the Public
“The Bulgarian people need real change — something this coalition cannot deliver,” Radev said, accusing the government of betraying public expectations and deepening the country’s political fracture.
His remarks came just hours after the government withdrew its controversial 2026 budget proposal amid violent demonstrations nationwide. The budget, which included sweeping tax increases to cover rising state expenditures, triggered outrage across social classes — from retirees to young families — all protesting against what they describe as systematic mismanagement and entrenched corruption.
The withdrawn fiscal plan was also symbolic: it was set to be Bulgaria’s first-ever state budget prepared in euros, as the country moves toward adopting the currency on January 1, 2026.
Political Turmoil Intensifies: No-Confidence Vote Incoming
While Radev calls for dissolution of the government, the ruling GERB party insists stepping down would plunge the nation into chaos just as it shifts to the euro. Former prime minister and GERB leader Boyko Borisov warned of surging prices and instability if early elections are triggered now.
But the opposition isn’t backing down.
The alliance Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) announced it will file a no-confidence motion on Friday and organize another major nationwide protest next week — timed to coincide with the parliamentary debate. If the motion proceeds, it will be the sixth no-confidence vote this government has faced since taking office in January.
A Nation Divided — and a President Targeting Corruption
Radev sharply criticized what he described as “unprincipled coalitions,” accusing the ruling parties of dividing the population into “those in power and the deceived, embittered voters.”
He also fired back at Bulgaria’s oligarchic elite:
“The oligarchs underestimated the resolve of the older generations and the thousands of young people who care deeply about Bulgaria.”
The president warned that no political faction should try to “privatize” the protest movement, reminding Bulgarians of past moments when grassroots frustration was hijacked by opportunistic parties.
A Country Stuck in Permanent Crisis
Bulgaria — the European Union’s poorest and one of its most corruption-plagued nations — has been trapped in near-constant political upheaval. Over the past four years, the country has held seven parliamentary elections, as coalitions repeatedly collapsed under internal disputes.
Now, with the EU expecting Bulgaria to stabilize in order to absorb essential development funds, the crisis threatens to stall critical infrastructure projects and delay eurozone integration.
Radev concluded with a stark message: without “radical and genuine change,” Bulgaria’s institutions will continue to erode.
The pressure is now squarely on Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s minority government — and on a restless nation that has already taken to the streets demanding answers.