Bulgaria has entered a period of significant political turbulence following the sudden resignation of the government led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Contrary to some public confusion, President Rumen Radev did not resign. Instead, the cabinet stepped down after weeks of intensifying public protests and political pressure. The distinction is essential, as the president’s constitutional responsibilities now shape the country’s next steps.
Public Unrest and Rising Pressure
In the weeks prior to the resignation, Bulgaria experienced large-scale protests involving tens of thousands of citizens across Sofia and other cities. Demonstrators opposed the government’s proposed 2026 budget, including controversial tax and social security reforms, while also protesting persistent corruption. The scale and duration of these demonstrations were unprecedented and destabilizing.
As protests intensified, opposition parties moved toward a no-confidence vote, and parliamentary support for the government weakened. With political pressure mounting from multiple fronts, Prime Minister Zhelyazkov chose to resign before the no-confidence vote could take place. The resignation preempted a likely parliamentary defeat and acknowledged the untenable political environment.
Throughout the crisis, President Radev publicly declared that the government’s resignation was “inevitable”, adding gravity to the national debate. However, he remained in office and continued to operate within his constitutional role. His position is critical at this stage, as he must now guide the transition following the fall of the cabinet.
Next Steps in a Constitutional Framework
Under the Bulgarian Constitution, a government resignation requires the president to launch consultations with all parliamentary parties. The objective is to identify whether a new governing majority can be formed. If parties fail to agree, the president may appoint a caretaker government and call for snap elections. Given the current political fragmentation, this scenario appears increasingly likely.
The government’s collapse comes at a sensitive time, as Bulgaria prepares for entry into the eurozone on 1 January 2026. The political uncertainty introduces potential risks to economic planning, public confidence, and technical preparations associated with the transition to the euro. Stability is needed, but difficult to secure.
Speculation in local media has raised hypothetical questions about whether President Radev might resign in the future to pursue other political ambitions, but there is no credible evidence supporting this scenario. For now, his mandate is to maintain continuity and oversee constitutional procedures until a new government is formed.
In summary, Bulgaria’s crisis revolves around the resignation of the prime minister and the cabinet, driven by mass protests, budget controversy, and looming parliamentary defeat. The president remains in office and now holds a decisive role in navigating Bulgaria through government formation, possible snap elections, and the ongoing transition toward eurozone accession.
