On February 22, 2025, a protest took place in front of the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) in defence of the Bulgarian national currency, the lev, and against the manipulation and forced entry of Bulgaria into the Eurozone. More than 604,000 Bulgarians signed a petition against this move, making it clear that they demand a referendum on the issue. However, their will was disregarded — first by the parliament, then by the constitutional court.

10,000 people gathered in front of the Bulgarian National Bank and the European Commission building to send an unmistakable message: they will no longer tolerate their democratic and lawful rights being trampled upon.

The leadership of the Ministry of Interior, under the current ruling coalition, has clearly embraced the repressive and aggressive tactics of past GERB governments, targeting those who dare to express their free will and discontent. Protesters, including MPs from "Vazrazhdane" (Revival) were beaten, sprayed with tear gas and arrested.

Symbolic actions during the demonstration exposed the true opinion of the people. Effigies of Valdis Dombrovskis, Christine Lagarde, and Paschal Donohoe - key figures pushing Bulgaria into the Eurozone - were set on fire. These are the individuals demanding that Bulgaria surrender its national sovereignty to maintain the illusion of a stable Eurozone, while robbing Bulgarians of their savings. The European flag was also burned - a clear symbol of the protesters’ unwavering determination to defend the lev at any cost.

The police used tear gas against dozens of citizens, including MPs from "Vazrazhdane" standing at the forefront.

When citizens in France or Georgia express their discontent in the same way, it is considered democracy. But when Bulgarians do it, the media and authorities label it as “vandalism.”

Clashes erupted in front of the European Commission building in Sofia. The building’s main entrance was set on fire, and its façade was doused in red paint. The police responded with force and pepper spray, injuring many peaceful demonstrators.

Many protesters were tear-gassed, beaten, and in need of medical assistance. Others were detained in police stations across Sofia, punished for daring to resist. Among those arrested were MPs, mayoral candidates, and ordinary citizens, all subjected to repression.

Some of our members were stripped naked in police stations in Sofia. MPs Angel Georgiev and Nikola Dimitrov were hospitalized due to injuries. "Vazrazhdane" leader Kostadin Kostadinov was also attacked with tear gas but refused medical aid. MP Ivo Chorov was unlawfully detained despite his parliamentary immunity - an outright violation of both the law and the constitution. Footage published in the media even showed police officers accidentally spraying their own colleagues with tear gas.

Thousands from across the country participated in the demonstration and were arbitrarily targeted by the authorities. Protesters were beaten and arrested. Entire buses filled with citizens returning home were stopped and searched.

Reports from social media reveal that buses were pulled over, passengers’ personal information was forcibly recorded, and they were threatened with summonses for questioning in Sofia. This is a blatant violation of civil and democratic rights! Several buses were blocked on their return, coming from Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Dobrich, Kyustendil, Varna, and two from Veliko Tarnovo. Mass inspections took place, with citizens openly threatened and accused of crimes in Sofia.

As in 2021, supporters and members of "Vazrazhdane" were subjected to state violence, mass surveillance, and data collection. Once again, the government has revealed its true undemocratic face. Kostadin Kostadinov emphasized that tensions have arisen because the authorities have refused outright to engage in dialogue with "Vazrazhdane", despite formal requests for meetings with the Ministry of Finance, the Governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, and representatives of the International Monetary Fund. The demand for a referendum was ignored, as was the request for an impact assessment report on the eurozone’s consequences for Bulgaria.

The protests will continue on Wednesday, with demonstrations announced inside the parliament itself.

Rada Laykova MEP

Articles by Rada Laykova MEP

Bulgarians demonstrate against the Euro