Bulgaria's government retracts contentious budget following large protests

SOFIA, Bulgaria On Tuesday, Bulgaria's government announced it would retract a contentious budget proposal following widespread protests that drew tens of thousands of participants and led to confrontations with law enforcement.

Critics, including opposition parties and business organizations, warned that the proposed measureswhich included higher taxes, increased social security contributions, and greater public spendingcould discourage investment and expand the informal economy as Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro next year.

Initially, the government had pledged to withdraw the draft for comprehensive revision after demonstrations last week. However, it later refused to act, prompting renewed protests in Sofia and other major cities on Monday night. Organizers estimated that about 50,000 people took part in Sofias demonstration.

The Sofia protest, largely composed of young participants, began peacefully but later escalated into violence. Chanting slogans demanding the government amend the proposal or resign, protesters displayed banners reading Generation Z is Coming and Young Bulgaria Without the Mafia. Organizers encouraged maintaining non-violent conduct, cautioning that provocations could occur and advising witnesses to document any incidents.

Despite these warnings, tensions rose as small groups approached offices of major ruling parties, throwing plastic bottles, glass, firecrackers, and stones at buildings and officers. Clashes broke out between police in riot gear and masked youths, with garbage bins set on fire and police vehicles damaged. Law enforcement used pepper spray to disperse protesters. Emergency services reported multiple injuries, with some treated at hospitals and others on-site. Police confirmed that ten individuals were detained.

Opponents of the budget emphasized that the increased spending would have been funded mainly through higher business and personal taxes and a significant rise in public debt, potentially fueling inflation without enhancing public service efficiency. The government maintained that the budget draft was essential to meet the eurozones requirement of keeping the budget deficit under 3% of GDP.

Author: Sophia Brooks