• Bulgaria's Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov resigns following weeks of protests against corruption and unpopular budget plans.
• Protests involved tens of thousands of citizens, reflecting widespread frustration over state corruption and economic policies.
• The resignation comes just weeks before Bulgaria is set to join the eurozone on January 1, raising concerns over political stability.
• President Rumen Radev supports the protesters and will seek to form a new government amid a fragmented parliament.
• Political analysts expect ongoing turmoil and potential snap elections as trust in government remains low.

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced the resignation of his government on Thursday, December 11, following weeks of mass protests against corruption and contentious economic policies. The decision came just minutes before parliament was scheduled to vote on a no-confidence motion, reflecting the heightened public outcry that had gathered momentum over the past month. "Power stems from the voice of the people," Zhelyazkov stated during his resignation announcement, emphasizing the government's inability to meet public expectations, according to Reuters, Le Monde, and Al Jazeera.

The protests erupted in late November after the government proposed a 2026 draft budget that would increase taxes and social security contributions, measures perceived as exacerbating existing corruption. Despite the government withdrawing the controversial budget, popular anger did not abate. Tens of thousands protested across Bulgaria, with reports suggesting participation exceeded 100,000, indicating profound public discontent with corruption and governance, as highlighted by Los Angeles Times and South China Morning Post.

In response to the resignation, President Rumen Radev called for new elections, noting the need for a government that reflects the people's will. He stated that the current political situation necessitates a transition to ensure stability, especially as Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro on January 1. Analysts have warned of the potential for ongoing political instability if new elections do not produce a functional government, as seen through previous cycles of political upheaval in the country, according to India Times and Reuters.

The protests represent a culmination of broader societal frustrations, as many citizens demand accountability from their leaders amid rampant corruption. There are also worries that the transition to the euro could result in price increases, compounding the existing economic grievances. "Levels of trust in the Bulgarian government remain close to historic lows, illustrating the severe political crisis the country is facing," remarked Dobromir Zhivkov from the Market Links sociological agency, as reported by South China Morning Post and Reuters.