Bulgarians Adopt the Euro With a Whisper of Melancholy but Few Tears

Bulgaria adopted the euro, replacing its long-standing currency, the lev, on Saturday. The changeover, while anticipated, occurred amidst political instability, including a recent presidential resignation and corruption accusations against the prime minister. While some Bulgarians expressed nostalgia for the lev, citing its historical significance and aesthetic appeal, others focused on the potential economic benefits of the euro. Concerns about potential price increases, a common occurrence during currency transitions, were present. The adoption of the euro comes at a time of political uncertainty, with new elections yet to be scheduled. Despite the concerns, weariness over the constant political changes dampened some angst over the transition.

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