Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Resigns Amid Widespread Protests

Sixth Leader in Five Years Steps Down as Public Outcry Grows

Rosen Zhelyazkov announced his resignation on Thursday, becoming the sixth prime minister to leave office in just five years. The decision comes after days of massive demonstrations in Sofia and other cities, where citizens demanded an end to what they describe as entrenched corruption and a broken democratic system.

Thousands of protestors gathered in front of the National Assembly, waving flags and chanting slogans such as “Enough is enough” and “Restore our democracy.” The rallies were sparked by a series of high‑profile scandals involving alleged misuse of EU funds, opaque government contracts, and the dismissal of independent judges.

In his televised statement, Zhelyazkov said, “I have always put the interests of Bulgaria first, but the current climate of mistrust makes it impossible for me to lead effectively. I step down to allow a new government to rebuild the confidence of our people.”

Opposition leaders welcomed the resignation, calling it a “necessary step toward political renewal.” However, analysts warn that the country faces a challenging path ahead, with the need to form a stable coalition and address deep‑seated institutional weaknesses.

The President has pledged to consult with all parliamentary factions to appoint a caretaker prime minister and schedule early elections. Meanwhile, protestors plan to continue their demonstrations until concrete reforms are enacted.