https://www.rferl.org Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty is an international news organization serving Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Russia, the Middle East and Balkan countries https://www.rferl.org/Content/responsive/RFE/en-US/img/logo.png https://www.rferl.org en Copyright 2026 - RFE/RL, Inc. 60 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 02:34:18 +0200 Pangea CMS – RFE/RL The Bulgarian government has resigned following a string of mass protests on the streets of Sofia. Crowds demanded the ouster over several issues, including its spending plan, corruption, a proposed hike in social-security contributions and taxes on dividends to finance higher state spending. https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-sofia-government-collapse-resignation-protest-demonstrations-corruption-spending/33620912.html https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-sofia-government-collapse-resignation-protest-demonstrations-corruption-spending/33620912.html Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:24:46 +0100 BulgariaVideo ArchiveVideos Tens of thousands in Sofia took to the streets for the second mass protest within a month, demanding the resignation of the government over several issues, including its spending plan, corruption, plans to hike social security contributions and taxes on dividends to finance higher state spending. A no-confidence vote is scheduled in the Bulgarian parliament on December 11. https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-protest-government-confidence-parliament-sofia-costs-working-business/33619988.html https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-protest-government-confidence-parliament-sofia-costs-working-business/33619988.html Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:47:24 +0100 BulgariaVideo ArchiveVideos Bulgaria's government has withdrawn a state budget plan after facing the largest demonstrations the country has seen since the 1990s. Protesters gathered in the capital, Sofia, and other cities on December 1 to accuse the government of prioritizing its own salaries over the needs of workers. https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-sofia-protest-budget-workers-public-sector-salaries-taxes-resignation/33611054.html https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-sofia-protest-budget-workers-public-sector-salaries-taxes-resignation/33611054.html Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:13:48 +0100 BulgariaVideo ArchiveVideos The arrest of a Bulgarian mayor on corruption charges has drawn protests in Sofia and other cities by defenders of the politician who say the accusation against him are politically motivated. https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-kotsev-protests-corruption/33476429.html https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-kotsev-protests-corruption/33476429.html Thu, 17 Jul 2025 02:51:41 +0200 NewsBulgariaThe Rundown Stories Thousands of people demonstrated in Sofia on July 16 over the arrest of the mayor of Varna, Blagomir Kotsev, a week earlier. Kotsev is accused of soliciting a bribe, but one official who gave testimony against him later said he had been pressured into making the statement. Supporters of Kotsev say the Bulgarian government's Anti-Corruption Commission is being used as a political tool against leaders belonging to opposition parties. https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-protest-arrest-mayor-corruption-charges/33476102.html https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-protest-arrest-mayor-corruption-charges/33476102.html Wed, 16 Jul 2025 23:47:38 +0200 BulgariaVideo ArchiveVideos Bulgaria is set to become the newest member of the eurozone on January 1, 2026. While European Union officials have approved the move, public opinion across the country remains sharply divided. https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-euro-adoption-divides-public/33467522.html https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-euro-adoption-divides-public/33467522.html Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:11:44 +0200 BulgariaThe Rundown Stories Bulgaria’s lev currency is set to become history as the country prepares to join the eurozone on January 1, 2026 -- a milestone long delayed by legislative hurdles and political debate. While EU officials have approved the move, public opinon in Sofia remains sharply divided. https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-lev-economy-euro/33466317.html https://www.rferl.org/a/bulgaria-lev-economy-euro/33466317.html Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:03:43 +0200 VideosBulgaria