sday that they have asked parliament to formally retract the bill after intense public pressure and violent clashes in the capital, Sofia. Public Outrage Over Taxes, Inflation, and Corruption Critics warned the proposed budget would raise taxes on workers and businesses, increase public debt, and fuel inflation—all while strengthening state institutions widely viewed as corrupt. Transparency International ranks Bulgaria as the most corrupt country in the European Union . “We want a European future, not a country ruled by corruption and the mafia,” said 21-year-old protester Ventsislava Vasileva. Protest organisers said around 50,000 people gathered in downtown Sofia on Monday night, chanting: “We will not allow ourselves to be robbed!” and “Resignation!” Banners declared: “Generation Z is Coming” and “Young Bulgaria Without the Mafia.” Violent Clashes Erupt Although organisers urged peace, violence broke out as a small group of demonstrators hurled rocks and firecrackers at police near the ruling parties’ headquarters. Officers in riot gear responded with pepper spray. Several people were hospitalised, and police detained 10 individuals. Eurozone Pressure Behind the Budget The government defended the proposal as necessary to bring Bulgaria’s budget deficit under the eurozone’s 3% GDP limit—an essential step toward adopting the euro. However, nearly half the population fears that switching from the lev to the euro will raise prices and weaken national sovereignty. Officials say work on a new draft budget will begin once parliament completes the formal withdrawal.