Thousands protest in Sofia and across the country demanding an end to corruption

Following a massive protest in downtown Sofia against the proposed state budget for 2026, around 10 p.m. on December 1 tensions erupted between police and groups of masked youths. Acts of arson and vandalism targeted the vacant political headquarters of the party “MRF-New Beginning” and an office of the GERB party. Many police cars were damaged, and both officers and protesters were injured.

• Thousands go out on protest in Sofia and major cities across Bulgaria

For unknown reasons, at the same time an electrical substation in the city center was set on fire, leaving many neighborhoods without power.

The chairman of “We Continue the Change”, Asen Vassilev, insisted that Interior Minister Daniel Mitov resign for allowing violence against police in Sofia.

On Facebook, President Rumen Radev wrote that this was not a clash between police and protesters, but a provocation by the mafia. He called for an end to the violence and for everyone to adhere to the law. “The provocations do not change the fact: Bulgarians said NO to this government. There is only one solution: resignation and early elections,” Radev demanded.

The leader of “MRF - New Beginning”, Delyan Peevski, accused President Rumen Radev of being “the real organizer of the riots, arson, and chaos.” “Is this what you want for Bulgaria, Mr. Radev? Chaos, unrest, lawlessness, and anarchy? What is the price - our country’s democracy and peace?” Peevski asked in a post on social media.

Speaking to BNR, the political party Vazrazhdane called for the protests to continue until the government resigns.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov
English version: R. Petkova