Bulgarian Government Resigns Amid Public Protests
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and his government have announced their resignation. This action follows a series of widespread public protests across Bulgaria, culminating in significant demonstrations in the capital, Sofia, on Wednesday evening.
Context and Reasons for Resignation
The government's decision to resign precedes a scheduled parliamentary vote of no confidence. It also occurs 20 days before Bulgaria's anticipated entry into the euro currency zone. The minority centre-right government, which assumed power in January, has been the subject of accusations of widespread corruption by the protesting public.
Prior to the resignation, the government had already withdrawn a controversial budget proposal for the next year in response to earlier protests. In a televised address, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov acknowledged the public sentiment, stating, "We hear the voice of citizens protesting against the government" and noting that "Both young and old have raised their voices for [our resignation]."
Scale of Protests and Presidential Involvement
Estimates indicate that between 50,000 and 100,000 individuals gathered in Sofia's central Triangle of Power and Independence Square on Wednesday evening to demand the government's departure. Slogans such as "Resignation" and "Mafia Out" were projected onto the parliament building during the demonstrations.
Last week, President Rumen Radev had also publicly called for the government to step down. A statement from the government website confirmed that ministers will continue to operate in their current roles until a new cabinet is formed. Prime Minister Zhelyazkov had served in his position for less than a year.