Thousands of people gathered on Monday in the Bulgarian capital Sofia and several other cities to protest against the 2026 budget plan, the first drawn up in euros before the European Union member country adopts the single currency on January 1, Reuters reported.
Some protesters clashed with police, who cordoned off offices of ruling parties in Sofia and pelted employees with stones, bottles and fireworks.
On November 28, after similar protests, Rosen Zhelyazkov's minority government promised to resubmit the 2026 budget plan to parliament, aiming to give more time for consultations with opposition parties, unions and employers. A parliamentary committee approved the budget plan at first reading on November 18.
Opposition parties and other groups say they are protesting against the government's plans to increase social security contributions and taxes on dividends to finance higher spending, as well as against corruption in the state.
Nearly half of Bulgarians oppose adopting the euro, fearing it will affect the country's sovereignty and that retailers will use the switch from the national currency lev to the euro to raise prices.
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned this month that inflation could soar when the Balkan country joins the eurozone.