Sofia

Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria and the center of recent political and economic turmoil. The city has been the focal point of mass anti-corruption protests that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's government in December 2025. These protests, some of the largest in decades, were triggered by a controversial 2026 draft budget that included tax increases and salary raises for state security, perceived as a sign of widespread corruption and authoritarian tendencies. The government subsequently withdrew the budget plan. Despite the political instability, Bulgaria officially adopted the Euro on January 1, 2026, a move intended to bring economic stability but met with public anxiety over potential inflation. Sofia's streets were filled with demonstrators, highlighting deep-seated public discontent and leading to another snap election being called. The events in Sofia underscore the challenges Bulgaria faces in balancing economic integration with addressing corruption and maintaining political stability.