Bulgaria’s prime minister announced on Thursday that his government was resigning after less than a year in office following a series of anti-corruption protests, making fresh elections likely.
The Balkan EU member, which is introducing the euro from January, has seen a spiral of elections in recent years, with parties unable to form a stable government.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Bulgaria on Wednesday to protest against the government and corruption in the latest rally since the end of last month.
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The demonstrations were provoked by a 2026 draft budget, which protesters branded as an attempt to mask rampant corruption. The government withdrew the budget last week, but anger has persisted.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov’s resignation announcement came just ahead of a no-confidence motion in parliament against the government that the opposition had filed.
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“The government resigns today,” Jeliazkov told reporters after a meeting of ruling parties’ leaders. “People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and religions have spoken out in favour of resignation. That is why this civic energy must be supported and encouraged.”