Bulgaria's Eurozone Entry Sparks Nationalist Protests

Nationalist protesters clashed with police in Sofia, Bulgaria, over government plans to join the eurozone. Organized by the Vazrazhdane party, the demonstrations involved red paint and firecrackers thrown at the European Commission office. The protesters demand a government resignation and a referendum on eurozone membership.

In Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, nationalist protesters clashed with police as they demanded the government abandon plans to join the eurozone. The confrontation saw approximately 1,000 demonstrators hurling red paint and firecrackers at the European Commission’s office.

Police and firefighters rushed to the scene to control the situation, leading to multiple arrests and injuries among officers. The protest, led by the Vazrazhdane party, featured calls for the government’s resignation and a referendum on eurozone entry.

Bulgaria, which joined the EU in 2007, faces political instability, with eurozone membership a contentious issue. While some economists question Bulgaria’s readiness for the euro, pro-European parties advocate for the move amid geopolitical tensions.