Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, witnessed violent clashes on Saturday as thousands of protesters, led by the ultra-nationalist Revival party, attempted to storm the European Union (EU) mission building. The demonstration was in opposition to the government’s plans to adopt the euro by January 1, 2026, a move that has sparked deep divisions in the country.
The protest escalated into chaos when demonstrators threw red paint, firecrackers, and Molotov cocktails at the EU building, setting its front door ablaze. Chanting slogans such as “Resignation” and “No to the Euro,” the protesters demanded the government abandon its push to join the eurozone. Police intervened swiftly, pushing back the rioters, though ten officers sustained minor injuries. At least six individuals were detained during the unrest.
The Bulgarian government strongly condemned the attack, stating that such acts were “unacceptable and contradict the principles of the rule of law.” Despite the violence, the administration remains committed to its goal of euro adoption, arguing that it will bring economic stability and enhance foreign investment in the country.
The demonstration began outside Bulgaria’s central bank, where protesters burned effigies of European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and other officials. Some attendees waved Bulgarian, Soviet Union, and East German flags, while others carried banners reading, “We Don’t Want the Euro.”
Kostadin Kostadinov, the leader of the Revival party, defended the protests, asserting, “We don’t want Bulgarian financial independence to be destroyed. We want to keep the Bulgarian lev. We are here to defend our freedom.” The party has been vocal in its opposition, accusing the government of manipulating inflation data to meet eurozone entry criteria.
Bulgaria’s recently formed government, led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, has reaffirmed its euro adoption plans. The 2025 state budget is expected to set a deficit of about 3%, aligning with eurozone requirements. However, Bulgaria must still meet an extended inflation target before its bid is fully assessed.
Public opinion remains divided. Many Bulgarians fear that adopting the euro will lead to soaring prices, citing Croatia’s experience in 2023. Meanwhile, economists argue that euro adoption could boost investor confidence, improve Bulgaria’s credit ratings, and reduce debt financing costs. The debate continues as Bulgaria moves toward a critical economic transition, with the government facing both political resistance and economic hurdles on its path to eurozone membership.
