How the Opposition and the Government Reacted After the Mass Protest?

Political reactions. 'We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria' (WCC-DB) have called for the government to resign. Prime Minister Zhelyazkov replied that, just weeks before Bulgaria is due to enter the eurozone, the cabinet has no right to “abdicate” from power. This prompted WCC-DB to announce that they will table a motion of no confidence on Friday and that protests will continue. Calls for snap elections also came from 'Vazrazhdane', 'Alliance for Rights and Freedoms' and MECH (Morality, Unity, Honour) party.

WCC-DB said they fully support the protesters demanding the government’s resignation and the removal of Boyko Borissov (leader of GERB) and Delyan Peevski (Leader of MRF-New Beginning) from Bulgarian politics.

“Our message to both Borissov and Peevski is very clear: submit the resignation of this government, because it no longer has the moral right to run the country. We saw enough people across the country who want new elections, and this opportunity must be given to them. If the government does not resign this week, we will table a motion of no confidence and, together with all citizens who joined the protest and those who support this cause, we will collectively demand this government’s resignation,” said Assen Vassilev of WCC-DB.

The motion of no confidence will target the government’s overall policy. The withdrawal of the draft budget, they said, was a long-overdue reaction.

“As Khan Krum once said: ‘If you don’t want peace, here is the axe.’ That is exactly what we are seeing in this situation,” added Atanas Atanasov of WCC-DB.

“This ruling clique must go. This administration has no legitimacy. It must resign immediately so we can go to elections,” stressed Ivaylo Mirchev of WCC-DB.

According to Prime Minister Zhelyazkov, the protest was not party-driven, despite attempts by certain political formations to “ride the wave”.

“The Bulgarian government is ready to enter into debate on the announced motion of no confidence. It will concern both its stated reason — the budget procedure — and broader questions of values: where Bulgaria is heading after 1 January 2026,” said Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov.

He emphasised that the coming months are crucial for Bulgaria’s political orientation.

“Adopting the euro is not a given. This complex coalition — formed between socially and politically diverse parties that have long been opponents — was built with the purpose of completing Bulgaria’s full integration into the EU as a values-based choice. The euro is not just an economic instrument; it represents the final step in this process at a difficult moment, when various forces are trying to divert Bulgaria from a choice made in our youth,” Zhelyazkov commented.

Photos by BTA

WCC-DB thanked everyone who joined the protest, stressing that it was peaceful and ended peacefully.

“The ugly scenes we witnessed were caused by provocateurs and football hooligans, while the Ministry of Interior stood by and did nothing. Attempts to spill blood at this protest were limited to the area around the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) headquarters. A major problem occurred — the centre of Sofia lost electricity power exactly along the route of the planned march. The march was diverted and then marred by violence,” noted Assen Vassilev.

Prime Minister Zhelyazkov said that the government took note of the protesters’ message and confirmed that this was one of the reasons for withdrawing the budget.

“I support those who protest for more rights, more democracy, more justice. We see these protests as less political and more social and human — a call for more dialogue, tolerance and harmony in public life. This is clearly a protest of young people seeking their place in Bulgaria. We should listen to them and ensure, with the resources available to the state, that their needs are addressed,” he said.

Zhelyazkov stated that provocateurs had deliberately sought confrontation with the police: “Their task was to spill blood. I commend the Bulgarian police for acting in a coordinated and careful manner, despite the political hysteria demanding they act more harshly. The police acted calmly, proportionately, fulfilled their duty, and the results will show the true motives of the organisers.”

The youth organisation of GERB said they had always supported protest as a legitimate civic stance.

“But not smashing things, not destruction. We witnessed political tension and an expression of division in society. We disagree with this — young people should unite and show how things ought to be done,” said Nikola Skorcheliev, chair of GERB Youth – Sofia.

According to Vazrazhdane, the protests must continue.

“No retreat until the ‘The Impudent’ coalition is forced to resign. This coalition will only drive more people onto the streets. The protests were large not only in Sofia, but across the country,” said party leader Kostadin Kostadinov.

The Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF) said it was joining the demand for the government’s resignation. They called on all parliamentary forces to state clearly their positions and to take urgent legislative steps to guarantee free and fair snap parliamentary elections.

Radostin Vassilev, leader of MECH, also noted that the only way forward is the government’s resignation, rejection of the eurozone, immediate elections, and a majority against GERB and “MRF – New Beginning”.

Last night, Delyan Peevski, leader of “MRF – New Beginning”, wrote that President Radev had revealed his “true face” and that he would not allow anarchy and chaos to take over Bulgaria.

Peevski added that President Radev is the true organiser of the riots.

According to him, the President is doing this to provoke elections and seize power “with blood”.