Bulgaria’s government has announced its resignation following days of mass anti-corruption protests that spread across the country. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov confirmed on Thursday that his conservative administration would step down, less than a year after taking office. The decision came after mounting public anger over alleged government failures to curb corruption and controversial fiscal measures.

The protests, initially focused on corruption, escalated into a broader anti-government movement, with thousands rallying in Sofia and coastal cities along the Black Sea. Demonstrators opposed a recently unveiled 2026 budget plan denominated in euros, which proposed higher taxes on dividends and social contributions. Although the government withdrew the plan, protests continued, reflecting deep frustration with Bulgaria’s political volatility.

Bulgaria, the poorest member of the European Union, has held seven national elections in the past four years. Analysts warn that the government’s collapse could prolong instability and delay key reforms, while opposition groups call for a technocratic interim administration to restore public trust.