Overview
- Prime Minister Rossen Jeljaskow announced the cabinet's resignation on December 11 after a meeting of coalition leaders in Sofia.
- Tens of thousands, largely young protesters, rallied in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas calling for systemic change and the government's ouster.
- Public anger coalesced around the new budget, which raised charges while boosting public-sector pay, channeling broader frustration with stalled reforms.
- The fallen minority coalition had depended on DPS support led by Deljan Peewski, a politician sanctioned by the US and UK whose perceived influence over institutions fueled the unrest.
- Next steps in parliament and any caretaker arrangements remain unclear as Bulgaria nears euro adoption on January 1, 2026, with polls showing about two-thirds backing the protests and roughly half favoring resignation.