Bulgarian police clashed with over 1,000 nationalist protesters in Sofia on Saturday during heated demonstrations against plans to adopt the euro currency. The Vazrazhdane party, known for its pro-Russia stance, organized the rally that turned violent as demonstrators threw firecrackers and set fire to the European Commission office entrance.
Authorities arrested multiple protesters and reported officer injuries during the confrontation.
We demand a national referendum on eurozone membership,declared Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov, whose party holds significant parliamentary influence. Protesters waved Bulgarian flags while chanting anti-euro slogans, insisting the country maintain its traditional lev currency.
This political crisis highlights three critical tensions:
- Economic concerns about meeting eurozone stability requirements
- Geopolitical divisions between pro-EU and pro-Russia factions
- Constitutional debates over parliamentary vs public decision-making
The new coalition government faces mounting pressure as it pursues Eurozone adoption by 2025. While supporters argue this strengthens EU integration and economic stability, opponents claim:
Bulgaria risks losing monetary sovereignty without proper public consultation, one protester told journalists. Recent polls show 49% of citizens oppose abandoning the lev, despite EU technical assessments confirming Bulgaria meets key convergence criteria.
Financial analysts warn the political instability could delay reforms needed for euro adoption. The government maintains its commitment, stating EU integration remains crucial for attracting foreign investment and combating inflation currently at 14.7%.
As night fell, cleanup crews removed protest debris while security forces remained on high alert. With both sides vowing to intensify their campaigns, this confrontation signals deeper societal divisions about Bulgaria's future in Europe.
