TL/DR –
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced his resignation on December 11 following Gen Z-led protests against perceived government corruption. These demonstrations were prompted by anger towards a proposed private sector tax increase and government dissatisfaction, and were attended by thousands of Bulgarians in a show of nationwide solidarity. The resignation of the Prime Minister is expected to lead to another election, despite the history of problematic elections and seven votes in four years that have failed to result in a stable governing majority, while corruption issues within the country are predicted to persist.
Gen Z protests toppled their first European government: Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov resigned on Dec. 11 amidst protests against perceived corruption. Politicians now aim to establish a new government. Demonstrations were mostly against government corruption and proposed tax hikes for the private sector. Gen Zers were a significant portion of the protestors.
Why are Bulgarians protesting?
These protests have put Bulgaria in the list of countries like Madagascar, Morocco, and Nepal where Gen Zers led mass demonstrations. Widespread dissatisfaction with the government was the main motivator for these demonstrations, according to Politico. Bulgaria’s upcoming adoption of the euro on Jan. 1, amid fears of inflation and a disinformation campaign by Russia, also stirred public discontent.
Zhelyazkov, in his resignation statement, said that they have “heard the voice of the people” and that the government’s “desire is to rise to the level of what society expects.” His resignation preceded a scheduled no-confidence vote against his cabinet.
What happens now?
Another election is imminent, according to Bloomberg. After seven unstable elections in four years, there are multiple possible outcomes. Boyko Borissov, a former Bulgarian prime minister, and Rumen Radev, the current president and “country’s most popular politician,” are possible contenders. However, corruption remains a pervasive issue in Bulgaria, even after its EU membership, making it one of the bloc’s most corrupt states, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
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