A peaceful rally turned violent in Sofia as tens of thousands of Bulgarians took to the streets in the capital to protest the government's draft budget for 2026.

The demonstration, which was dominated by young people, began peacefully in its early hours.

Jumping and chanting “Resignation,” demonstrators demanded the government to revise the draft or step down.

Later, tensions escalated as small groups of protesters moved to the headquarters of the main ruling parties and started throwing chairs both at the buildings and at the police officers guarding them.

Footage showed clashes between masked protesters and police officers, with burning garbage containers and police vehicles being vandalized.

On Nov. 28, the government said it was withdrawing its 2026 draft budget, following similar street protests over steep tax increases included in the budget, and warnings from abroad.

The surprise move was announced by the leader of the ruling center-right GERB party, Boyko Borissov, who asked the government to restore dialogue with employers and labor unions to reach consensus on the state finances.

The protest reflects widespread concerns over the budget’s economic impact on individuals and businesses as the Balkan country prepares to join the eurozone at the beginning of next year.

AP Video by Valentina Petrova