Protests in Bulgaria’s capital: Demonstrators called for the resignation of the Radev government and the organization of early elections

Hundreds of people protested in central Sofia on Tuesday evening, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Rumen Radev’s government and the organization of early elections. The demonstration took place in the “Triangle of Power,” between Parliament, the Presidency, and the Council of Ministers, amid discontent over the budget deficit, foreign loans, corruption, and the government’s policy toward Russia.

The protest was organized by activist Manol Glishev and the civic association BOETS. Participants accused the authorities of tolerating organized crime and failing to take sufficient measures to combat violence among young people. The protesters also criticized the situation at Bulgarian National Television, accusing it of having become an instrument of political propaganda.

The demonstrators chanted “Resignation” and “Communists out” and flew the flags of Bulgaria, Ukraine, and the European Union. Glishev criticized the government’s position on the war in Ukraine and argued that Bulgaria risks becoming too dependent on Russia.

The organizers announced that the protests will continue throughout the winter, until early elections are called.