Bulgaria's Prime Minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov, unexpectedly announced his government's resignation late Wednesday, succumbing to overwhelming public dissent. Tens of thousands of citizens participating in nationwide demonstrations had voiced their profound dissatisfaction. The collapse of this minority centre-right administration, which had governed for a mere six months, has plunged the Balkan nation into renewed political uncertainty. This crisis emerges only weeks before Bulgaria’s scheduled accession to the eurozone.
The government's premature downfall was triggered by one of the largest protest movements seen in recent years. An estimated fifty thousand to one hundred thousand demonstrators converged in the capital, Sofia, with similar rallies occurring in other urban centres. A primary demand driving these protests was an end to perceived systemic corruption. Particularly strong criticism was directed at two influential figures: oligarch Delyan Peevski and former prime minister Boyko Borissov. Peevski, who has been sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom for alleged corrupt activities, has become a potent symbol of the opaque connections between business and politics that protesters are determined to dismantle.
The visual impact of the protests was undeniably striking. The facade of the National Assembly building was illuminated with projections displaying messages such as "Resignation" and "Mafia Out." Crowds congregated at significant locations, including the Triangle of Power and Independence Square, chanting slogans demanding the resignation of Peevski and Borissov. This powerful civic outcry followed a series of earlier demonstrations that had already compelled the cabinet to withdraw a controversial budgetary proposal. Although the government had previously survived five no-confidence votes, a sixth was imminent, rendering the prime minister's announcement inevitable.
In a televised statement, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov acknowledged the widespread public discontent. He stated, "We hear the voice of citizens protesting against the government." He further added that "both young and old have raised their voices for [our resignation]. This civic energy must be supported and encouraged." His decision was also influenced by a direct appeal from President Rumen Radev for the cabinet to step down, highlighting the government’s significant political isolation.
The immediate consequence of this resignation is the establishment of a caretaker administration. Current ministers will continue in a provisional capacity until a new government can be formed. This period of political instability is occurring at a particularly sensitive moment, with Bulgaria preparing to adopt the euro as its currency in just twenty days. Analysts believe this turmoil might complicate the final technical and communication preparations for the significant monetary transition. However, officials have consistently maintained that the changeover plan remains on schedule.
This resignation powerfully illustrates the ongoing and deeply rooted struggle within Bulgarian society. It pits a public demanding accountability and transparent governance against political structures long suspected of being influenced by oligarchic interests. The coming weeks will undoubtedly test the nation's political resilience. Bulgaria faces the dual challenge of forming a stable government and ensuring its successful integration into the European monetary union.