Bulgaria ditches budget plan after tens of thousands join protests

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete December 2, 2025 at 01:04 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Bulgaria's government has withdrawn its proposed 2026 budget following large-scale protests across the country on Monday. Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Sofia and other cities against the budget, citing concerns about government corruption and planned tax increases. Some protesters clashed with police, resulting in arrests and property damage. Critics opposed the budget's proposed increases to social security contributions and taxes, intended to finance higher spending. The protests, considered the largest in years, occurred ahead of Bulgaria's planned adoption of the euro in January, a move that has divided public opinion. President Radev condemned the violence and urged respect for the law.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ventsislava Vasileva 40% DPS party 50% Gerb party ×260% Sofia ×370% Bulgaria ×980%

Keywords

protests 100% budget plan 90% government corruption 80% tax increases 70% bulgaria 70% eurozone 60% police clashes 50% political parties 50% social security 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

Source Transparency

Source

BBC News - World

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Bulgaria

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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protests budget plan government corruption tax increases bulgaria eurozone police clashes political parties social security

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