Bulgarian Anti-EU Protest Turns Violent, Demonstrators Clash with Police
Thousands of Supporters of Revival Party Protest Against Euro Adoption
SOFIA: Thousands of supporters of Bulgaria’s ultra-nationalist Revival party clashed with police on Saturday while trying to storm the building of a European Union mission during a protest against the country’s plans to adopt the euro next year.
Violence Erupts
Anti-government protesters, chanting "Resignation" and "No to the Euro", threw red paint, firecrackers, and Molotov cocktails at the EU building in the capital Sofia, setting the front door on fire before the police pushed them away. Around 10 police officers sustained minor injuries and about six people were detained, a senior police official told media after the protest.
Government Condemns Attack
The government condemned the attack on the EU buildings, saying in a statement that such attacks "are unacceptable and contradict the principles of the rule of law".
Protesters’ Demands
The protests began in front of the European Union country’s central bank, with protesters setting effigies of European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and other officials on fire. Some waved Bulgarian, Soviet Union, or East German flags, while others carried placards reading "We don’t want the euro".
Revival Party’s Stance
"We don’t want Bulgarian financial independence to be destroyed. We want to keep the Bulgarian lev. We are here to defend our freedom," said Kostadin Kostadinov, the Revival party chairman.
Government’s Plans
Bulgaria’s new government, which was approved last month after October’s snap election, the seventh in four years, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to joining the euro zone next year. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov has said the 2025 state budget will set a deficit of about 3%, paving the way for the introduction of the euro on January 1, 2026. However, the country still needs to meet an extended inflation target before an examination of the country’s bid.
Public Debate
Bulgarians are divided over the introduction of the euro, with many worrying that it will cause prices to skyrocket, as happened in Croatia in 2023. Revival, which has accused the central bank and the national statistics agency of "fabricating data" to enable the introduction of the euro, has called for a wide public debate on the economic effects of its introduction.
Economic Benefits
Economists say that Bulgaria, the poorest EU state where the lev has been long pegged to the euro, would attract more foreign investment if it adopted the single currency and secure credit ratings upgrades that could cut its debt financing costs.
Conclusion
The violent protest in Sofia highlights the deep divisions in Bulgarian society over the country’s plans to adopt the euro. While some see it as a step towards economic stability, others fear it will lead to higher prices and a loss of financial independence. The government’s commitment to the euro zone remains strong, but the country still needs to meet certain economic criteria before it can join.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the protest?
The protest is against Bulgaria’s plan to adopt the euro and join the euro zone. - Who is leading the protest?
The protest is led by the Revival party, an ultra-nationalist group that opposes the euro. - What are the concerns about the euro?
Some Bulgarians worry that the euro will cause prices to skyrocket, while others fear it will lead to a loss of financial independence. - What is the government’s stance on the euro?
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to joining the euro zone next year, but still needs to meet certain economic criteria before it can do so.