Protest Against Bulgaria’s Adoption of the Euro Held in Sofia

The civic association 'Doyran 2025' has organised a protest against the introduction of the euro in Bulgaria. The demonstration is taking place outside the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) in Sofia on December 17.

Protesters are calling for Bulgaria’s national currency, the lev, to be retained, and are also demanding “justice and a new model of governance”. The organisers propose extending the one-month period of dual circulation of the lev and the euro to the maximum six months during which banknotes and coins would not be destroyed.

The association has sent proposals for amendments to the euro adoption law to all parliamentary groups in the National Assembly and to the President. Protesters say this would allow sufficient time for a referendum on the issue to be held.

Among those demonstrating were menbers of the public expressing strong personal concerns:

Veneta said:
“I am worried about the loss of the country’s financial sovereignty. When I look at who is leading the EU and how things stand there, it feels like handing your money to a madman with a bomb in his hand.”

Lachezar added:
“They will destroy our nation this way — they will leave no stone unturned.”

Yulita said:
“I am Bulgarian and I cannot stay at home in such chaos. This is a time when only outright traitors stay at home.”

Burgas Protest

In Burgas, members of the public gathered this evening outside the municipal building to protest against the introduction of the euro. Demonstrators said the Bulgarian lev should not be replaced by another currency and argued that they see no real benefits from joining the euro area. According to them, such a decision should only be taken following a national referendum.

photos by BNT

The protest march passed along Alexandrovskaya Street to Troykata Square, before heading back along Bogoridi Street. Police officers were deployed in the area and halted the march, preventing it from continuing towards the Sea Garden, reportedly to ensure public safety and the smooth flow of traffic.

Among the protesters were residents voicing similar concerns:

Stanka said:
“We do not want the euro — we want our lev. We expect nothing good from the euro, only price increases.”

Irinka added:
“We want a referendum. Let the Bulgarian people say what they want and what they do not want.”

Kiril said:
“The Bulgarian lev is part of the state. I think that if it disappears, we lose part of Bulgaria.”