Mass anti-government protests across Bulgaria ahead of the no-confidence vote

On December 10, 2025, tens of thousands of citizens of different ages and political beliefs took part in anti-government protests in Sofia and other cities in Bulgaria. They were organized by the opposition coalition “We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria” under the slogan “Resignation! Pevski and Borisov out of power!” and are a continuation of the wave of discontent that began on November 26 and December 1, marked by the largest rally in the past two decades against the 2026 draft budget and with demands for a fair distribution of state funds.

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In Sofia, demonstrations started early in the afternoon, with students from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts gathering in front of their university. Later, they joined the large protest that started at 6:00 PM at Independence Square, between the buildings of the Council of Ministers, the Presidency, and the National Assembly. People expressed their dissatisfaction with Delyan Peevski’s role in the government’s activities.

The protest proceeded peacefully but carried a charged atmosphere. Participants were warned that provocateurs had infiltrated the crowd and were urged not to respond to provocations in order to avoid incidents. During the protest, more than 30 people were detained by the police, including some minors. They were carrying prohibited items such as brass knuckles, knives, firecrackers and small explosives, informed the BNR’s reporter Nikolay Hristov.

In Plovdiv, young men with kaba gaida bagpipes led the protest march from Saedinenie Square to the fairgrounds. People demanded an end to corruption and opportunities for young people to stay in Bulgaria, reported BNR Plovdiv.

Thousands also blocked the main street in Veliko Tarnovo, according to BNR’s correspondent Zdravka Maslyankova.

In Varna, protesters carrying flags and flares raised the slogan “Every day will be like this until victory!”— a phrase that has echoed since the beginning of the democratic changes.

In Kardzhali, where the Movement for Rights and Freedoms traditionally has a strong presence and a pro-government rally was held yesterday, an anti-government protest took place today for the first time. Demonstrators voiced opposition to the participation in government of figures sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act, including DPS-New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski, reported BNR Kardzhali.

The protests in Bulgaria have also attracted international media attention. “Bulgaria's opposition coalition urged people to join a protest outside parliament, as the government faces a no-confidence vote”, Reuters wrote on Facebook, streaming the events in Sofia live.

Bulgarians abroad also expressed their dissatisfaction with the current government. In the Netherlands, people gathered in front of the Bulgarian embassy. The Bulgarian flag was also raised in Germany and other countries. “Life abroad should be a choice, not a necessity”, the young Bulgarians in Heidelberg said firmly.

• Anti-government protests will be held in Sofia and across Bulgaria
• Thousands protest in Sofia and across thecountry demanding an end to corruption

On December 11, the National Assembly is set to vote on a no-confidence motion targeting the economic policy of Rosen Zhelyazkov’s cabinet, submitted by the opposition coalition We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB).

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov