Rumen Radev, the president of Bulgaria, has requested the resignation of the government following massive protests.

The President of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, has called for the minority government led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov to resign, following massive protests against the 2026 budget, which was withdrawn on Tuesday. This budget, the first drafted in euros, has been contested due to planned tax increases to fund higher spending. Radev emphasized that the protests highlighted the government's failure to meet citizens' expectations and stated that early elections are the only viable solution.

Bulgaria, the poorest member state of the European Union, is facing political instability, having held seven elections in four years. The opposition has announced a motion of no confidence against the government, while the ruling coalition has rejected calls for resignation, warning of possible negative consequences.