Bulgaria (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced his government’s resignation on 11 December 2025, moments before a parliamentary no-confidence vote, bowing to weeks of mass protests over corruption, economic policies, and a controversial 2026 budget. The move, amid Bulgaria’s eurozone entry on 1 January 2026, prompts President Rumen Radev to seek a new coalition or call early elections in the EU’s poorest member state.
Resignation Announcement Details
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov delivered the resignation news during a press conference in Sofia’s parliament, following a meeting of ruling coalition leaders. As reported by Le Monde, Zhelyazkov stated:
“The government resigns today. People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and religions have spoken out in favour of resignation. That is why this civic energy must be supported and encouraged.” The New York Times quoted him acknowledging: “Our aim is to rise to the expectations of society. We have listened to the voices of the protesters. It is essential that we address their demands, and currently, they are calling for the government’s resignation.”
Reuters detailed Zhelyazkov’s words:
“Our coalition convened, we evaluated the prevailing situation, the obstacles we encounter, and the choices we must make with accountability. We aim to meet the expectations of society. Authority originates from the will of the people.”
DW.com reported similarly:
“Our coalition convened, we evaluated the current landscape, the obstacles we confront, and the responsible choices we must make. Our ambition is to meet the expectations of society. He emphasized that ‘authority originates from the people’s voice.’”
France 24 captured:
“Today, the government is resigning,”
stated Rossen Jeliazkov (variant spelling noted) to journalists following a gathering with leaders of the ruling parties.
ABC News relayed:
“Ahead of today’s vote of no confidence, the government is resigning,”
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov told reporters in parliament.
Al Jazeera noted the cabinet’s televised statement came minutes before the no-confidence vote, triggered by opposition over economic strategies and corruption handling. Bloomberg reported Zhelyazkov resigned before the vote, saying: “We hear the voice of the citizens protesting against the government,” amid clashes with police.
Protests Spark and Scale
Protests erupted last week over the 2026 budget proposing higher taxes, social security contributions, and spending increases, which the government later withdrew. As per BBC News, demonstrators rallied in Sofia and nationwide on Wednesday night, marking the latest in ongoing waves reflecting discontent with persistent corruption across successive administrations. Le Monde cited an AFP journalist: tens of thousands rallied outside Sofia’s parliament, chanting “Resign” with “I’m fed up!” signs featuring caricatures.
DW.com highlighted persistence even after budget rescission: thousands took to streets in Sofia and other cities Wednesday evening, voicing discontent over tax hikes funding corruption while living standards stagnate. Reuters described thousands gathering in Sofia and towns nationwide Wednesday night, the freshest in protests against corruption successive governments failed to eradicate. The New York Times framed it as mass protests in recent weeks against the administration in one of the EU’s least affluent nations pre-eurozone entry.
Presidential and Political Reactions
President Rumen Radev backed protesters last week, urging resignation for early elections, per Le Monde. Reuters quoted his Thursday Facebook post to lawmakers:
“Between the people’s voice and the fear of the mafia. Heed the public squares!”
Under Bulgaria’s constitution, Radev’s limited powers now involve tasking parliamentary parties to form a new government; failure likely leads to a caretaker administration until elections, as Reuters analysed.
Al Jazeera contextualised the resignation shortly before euro adoption. Bloomberg noted deepening chaos with protests occasionally clashing with police, tens of thousands rallying for days against backing parties.
Economic and Eurozone Context
Bulgaria, the EU’s poorest country, prepares for eurozone entry on 1 January 2026 despite turmoil. Le Monde noted analysts say low institutional trust compounds price concerns pre-euro. The New York Times tied resignation to economic uncertainty. DW.com linked protests to economy handling and corruption allegations. Reuters emphasised timing ahead of eurozone plans.
Historical Political Instability
Zhelyazkov’s exit marks another in four years of prime ministerial departures. The New York Times noted his less-than-a-year tenure as part of serial instability. BBC.co.uk and BBC News underscored the dramatic move pre-no-confidence and euro adoption.