Tensions Rise During Protest Outside “MRF – New Beginning” Headquarters

Heightened police presence has been reported around the headquarters of the “Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) – New Beginning” party amid ongoing protests on December 1. Several police and gendarmerie vehicles have been damaged, and both protesters and officers have been injured. Rubbish bins have been set on fire.

Tensions escalated on Vrabcha Street, where the "MRF - New Beginning" party headquarters is located, after a group of provocateurs dressed in black with hoods joined the demonstration. Gendarmerie units were deployed, and tear gas was used to disperse the crowd. Bottles—both plastic and glass—continue to be thrown at the building.

The protest against the 2026 budget, which began shortly before 18:00 in the Triangle of Power, evolved into a march reaching the “DPS – New Beginning” headquarters. Some protesters considered moving on to the GERB party headquarters, but this did not occur. Chants of “Mafia”, “Corruption”, and “Resignation” have been heard continuously, and pyrotechnics are still being set off.

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

During the escalation, a colleague from the technical team covering live reports was also injured. Two emergency medical teams are stationed on Vrabcha Street. Earlier, medics provided on-site care to three individuals. According to the Emergency Medical Centre, five protesters sought treatment at the emergency department of Tsaritsa Yoanna – ISUL General Hospital, with some suffering injuries and others affected by tear gas.

Minister of Interior Daniel Mitov, along with professional leadership of the Ministry of Interior and the Sofia Directorate of the Interior, are monitoring the situation closely but have refrained from commenting, in order to avoid further politicising the events or escalating existing tensions.

The Sofia Directorate of the MoI stated that all necessary actions are being taken to identify individuals who have engaged in unprovoked aggression, both towards police officers and state or municipal property.

photos by BNT, BTA, BGNES