Tens of thousands of young Bulgarians, largely from Generation Z (GenZ), had taken to the streets in capital Sofia and other major cities to lead the country’s biggest anti-government protest in years.
At least 70 people were arrested after masked protesters attacked the offices of political parties, according to Sofia’s interior affairs chief Lyubomir Nikolov, BBC reported.
Why has GenZ been protesting in Bulgaria?
The unrest, which began in November 26, broke out over demand of the ruling coalition’s resignation amid growing frustration over a controversial 2026 draft budget and endemic corruption.
The protestors organised their demonstrations through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and used slogans such as “Gen Z is coming for U” and “Give us a reason to stay,” Intellinet News reported.
The demonstrations came in response to the government’s decision to increase taxes on private businesses to finance higher public sector wages.
Other factors responsible for protests
The Bulgarian government’s decision to adopt the Euro as the country’s official currency from January 1, 2026, is being deemed a major reason behind the protests.
Young voters and students have also expressed fears that rising taxes, shrinking economic opportunities, corruption, and weak judicial oversight could forcing an entire generation to contemplate emigrating from Bulgaria, which is one of European Union’s poorest countries.
Bulgaria protests: Discontent beyond budget
Protestors have also voiced deep anger towards the political alliance with controversial tycoon Delyan Peevski, leader of the New Beginning party, whose influence is widely seen as perpetuating oligarchic control and corruption.
“We want to be a European country, not one ruled by corruption and the mafia,” a protestor told AFP.
What is the Bulgarian government’s stance?
The Bulgarian government has said it will withdraw its controversial 2026 budget plan.
According to Al Jazeera, the Bulgarian government initially promised to retract and overhaul the budget proposal after protests last week, but later backed away, sparking intense protests.
GenZ protests in other countries
Gen Z protests have erupted globally in 2025. In Nepal, students sparked a deadly uprising in September against social media bans and elite corruption, forcing the prime minister’s resignation after parliament was set ablaze.
Morocco’s ‘GenZ 21’ movement rallied unemployed graduates demanding healthcare and education reforms amid World Cup spending, while Madagascar’s ‘Gen Z Mada’ ousted President Andry Rajoelina over chronic utilities shortages and inequality.
Similar revolts also hit Peru, Indonesia, Kenya, Bangladesh, Serbia, Mexico, and the Philippines.
