Mass Protests Erupt in Sofia Against Euro Adoption
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Thousands of Bulgarians gathered in Sofia and other major cities on Saturday to protest the government’s plans to adopt the euro, demanding a national referendum on the currency change. Led by civic groups and nationalist parties, demonstrators waved flags and chanted slogans such as “Freedom for the Bulgarian lev” and “The future belongs to sovereign states.” The rally coincided with expectations that Bulgaria will receive approval from Brussels to enter the eurozone within days.
Participants displayed banners from the pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party, with one reading, “The battle for the Bulgarian lev is the last battle for Bulgaria.” The protest was marked by an increased police presence which ensured it remained peaceful.
As the EU’s poorest member, Bulgaria has been grappling with economic instability that has fueled skepticism toward the euro among its 6.4 million citizens. Public fears of inflation and economic hardship have been exacerbated by disinformation campaigns both domestically and internationally.
President Rumen Radev has amplified these voices by suggesting a referendum on euro adoption earlier this month, reflecting widespread public apprehension about the economic implications. However, his proposal was rejected by the pro-European majority in parliament, which accused him of attempting to undermine EU integration in favor of Moscow amid rising geopolitical tensions.
The protests highlight the deep divisions within Bulgarian society over the currency change, exemplifying the ongoing debate over not just economic matters, but also national sovereignty as the country stands at a crossroads with its European aspirations.
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