"Protesters argue the draft budget would increase taxes and inflation with little payoff, while entrenching corruption. Bulgaria's government has announced plans to drop a controversial budget proposal that triggered nationwide protests, the latest bout of unrest to hit the country as it moves towards adopting the euro. The government's information service reported on Tuesday that it had asked parliament to withdraw the 2026 budget which had provoked public anger over planned tax increases and higher social security contributions."
"The budget row adds to years of political instability in Bulgaria, which has gone through seven snap elections and a succession of short-lived governments since massive anti-corruption protests in 2020. The country is bitterly divided over entry to the eurozone and its broader geopolitical alignment between Russia and the European Union, of which it is a member state."
The government requested parliament withdraw the 2026 budget after nationwide protests objected to planned tax increases and higher social security contributions. Protesters said the draft would raise taxes and inflation while directing funds to corrupt state institutions. Bulgaria is ranked as the most corrupt EU country by Transparency International. Youth-led demonstrations drew tens of thousands in Sofia with chants demanding revision of the draft or the government’s resignation. The row compounds long-term political instability marked by multiple snap elections and deep divisions over eurozone entry and geopolitical alignment between Russia and the EU.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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