Bulgaria will hold early parliamentary elections after the government resigned following days of protests.
President Rosen Plevneliev told parliament the elections will be held on May 12.
Prime Minister Boyko Borisov resigned last week after the biggest protests in the country in 16 years.
The sometimes violent protests were sparked by high electricity bills but then turned against Borisov's center-right government and the entire political system.
All major parties have said they do not want to form a government in the current parliament.
With an average salary of 400 euros ($520), Bulgaria is the poorest EU country.
The winner of the next elections will be under pressure to curb rampant corruption and raise living standards.
In the latest opinion polls, Borisov's centrist GERB party is neck and neck with the Bulgarian Socialist Party.
President Rosen Plevneliev told parliament the elections will be held on May 12.
Prime Minister Boyko Borisov resigned last week after the biggest protests in the country in 16 years.
The sometimes violent protests were sparked by high electricity bills but then turned against Borisov's center-right government and the entire political system.
All major parties have said they do not want to form a government in the current parliament.
With an average salary of 400 euros ($520), Bulgaria is the poorest EU country.
The winner of the next elections will be under pressure to curb rampant corruption and raise living standards.
In the latest opinion polls, Borisov's centrist GERB party is neck and neck with the Bulgarian Socialist Party.
