New Protest Against 2026 State Budget Draft in Sofia’s Triangle of Power (PHOTOS)

A new mass protest erupted in front of the seats of power in Sofia, as public dissatisfaction with the policies outlined in next year’s state budget sparked demonstrations in the capital and in cities across the country.7

Even before 18:00, on December 1 protesters began filling the Triangle of Power for another demonstration against the 2026 budget proposed by the government – the first budget in euros, the first presented without consultation with social partners, and the first to foresee increases in taxes and social security contributions.

Plamen Petrov said: “It irritates me that this budget is being distributed unfairly. They are using incorrect data from the EU. It is expected that money will somehow appear in the future. This money does not come from the sky – someone has to earn it, and the conditions to earn it are not there.”

Bojidara Kostadinova added: “For as long as I can remember, perhaps from the age of ten, I heard from my grandparents how the state is being stolen, how there is total neglect in Parliament and governance in general. Now, as an adult and full citizen, I want to defend my right and the right of everyone on this square to live in a better country.”

Snejanka commented: “The crappy budget they crafted in such a crude way is disliked by all of us – the dividend tax, the taxes on salaries, the money spent on anything and everything.”

Rumen Ivanov said: “For me, anything that could help the Bulgarian lev to continue to be used is reason enough to get out of my armchair.”

In front of the crowd, representatives from “We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria” (WCC-DB) called for the 2026 budget to be withdrawn, revised, and resubmitted.

Asen Vasilev, leader of WCC, said: “Otherwise, as you can see, all these people will not give up until the budget is withdrawn and revised. If the government and the parliamentary majority choose not to withdraw it, they no longer have the right to govern Bulgaria.” When asked if this meant they would demand the government’s resignation if the budget was not withdrawn, he responded: “Absolutely.”

The protest was officially declared peaceful. To prevent provocations, young people handed out leaflets urging against aggression, vandalism, and hate speech.

Valeria Berkova said: “There has been a lot of speculation on social media that there may be provocateurs. It is entirely up to us to keep this protest peaceful. That is why we are asking people not to throw bottles or sharp objects. The real goal is to peacefully show our dissatisfaction with the budget.”

Protesters demanded a budget that does not take from their pockets.

During the protest, demonstrators held lanterns as a symbolic act to shine light on the mafia and corruption in the country. From the stage, participants were encouraged to begin a “march of freedom” towards the headquarters of “MRF – New Beginning.”

The protest evolved into a march through Sofia’s streets, with demonstrators heading towards the GERB party headquarters near the National Palace of Culture (NDK). The march first reached Vrabcha Street, where the MRF– New Beginning headquarters is located. So far, the procession has remained relatively peaceful, with occasional firecrackers, though organisers repeatedly called for calm, emphasising that the protest should remain non-violent.

Between the National Assembly, the Presidency, and the Council of Ministers, participants gradually continued their march, described as a “march of freedom.” The protest was held under the motto: “We will not allow them to deceive us. We will not allow them to rob us.”

The demonstration follows last week’s protest in the Triangle of Power, after which GERB leader Boyko Borisov had announced that the 2026 budget draft would be withdrawn. This did not happen, eventually leading to heightened tensions at the National Assembly. "We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria" continues to insist on the withdrawal of the state budget. Today, the leader of "We Continue the Change" Assen Vassilev said that if the government does not listen to their demands and does not withdraw the draft budget for 2026, they will demand the resignation of the government.

At the square, calls for resignation were heard. A stage had been erected for various speakers, including videos of influencers and young people expressing their desire to live in a better Bulgaria and explaining why they opposed the budget. The word “Mafia” was projected onto the National Assembly building. Protesters moved along Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, gradually leaving the Triangle of Power.

Earlier, though the official start time of the protest was 18:00, demonstrators began gathering well in advance. Organisers repeatedly urged participants to avoid tension, prevent escalation, and remain vigilant for possible provocateurs, reporting any incidents either to the organisers or to the police. The protest continues peacefully in central Sofia.

photos by Viktor Borissov, Milena Kirova and Dessislava Kyulelieva