Bulgaria’s government has resigned following weeks of street protests against its economic policies and its perceived failure to tackle corruption.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced the resignation of his cabinet in a televised statement on Thursday, minutes before parliament had been due to vote on a no-confidence motion.

The resignation comes weeks before Bulgaria is due to join the eurozone on January 1.

“Our coalition met, we discussed the current situation, the challenges we face and the decisions we must responsibly make,” Zhelyazkov said, announcing the government’s decision to step down.

“Our desire is to be at the level that society expects,” he said. “Power stems from the voice of the people.”

Mass protests

Thousands of Bulgarians rallied on Wednesday evening in

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