A peaceful rally in Sofia turned violent as tens of thousands of Bulgarians protested the government’s 2026 draft budget.
Initially calm, the demonstration saw young crowds chanting “Resignation” and demanding revisions.
Tensions rose when small groups moved toward ruling party headquarters and threw chairs at buildings and police.
Footage showed clashes, burning garbage containers and vandalized police vehicles.
Days earlier, the government withdrew the draft budget after similar protests and pledged renewed dialogue with employers and unions.