Overview
- Thousands rallied in Sofia and other cities on December 1 against the 2026 budget in one of the largest demonstrations in recent years.
- In the capital, some protesters clashed with police, throwing stones, bottles and firecrackers; at least 10 people were detained and two officers were injured.
- President Rumen Radev called the clashes a “mafia provocation,” urged an end to violence, and demanded the government's resignation and early elections.
- Protesters and opposition groups object to higher social‑security contributions and dividend taxes to fund public‑sector wage increases, along with broader corruption grievances.
- The government plans to table amendments this week and says it will not push the contribution hike as Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro on January 1.