Protests in Bulgaria are expanding after prime minister pledged to withdraw budget, but shadow kingmaker Peevski doubled down

Mass demonstrations against Budget 2026 drew large crowds in several major Bulgarian cities, with thousands taking to the streets to demand the withdrawal of the draft financial plan.

The crowd held signs reading We do not want a budget without reforms, Weak 2 (F grade) for communication, reforms and vision, We will not let them lie to us, and messages directed against Delyan Peevski.

The article does not report on the violence in the night when masked young men dressed in black vandalised buildings. The opposition and the nation's president have called them paid provocators.

Large gatherings were also reported in Varna and Plovdiv... Messages on posters included "We are tired of lies and promises", "Weak 2 for communication, reforms and vision", "The face of corruption accompanied by a picture of Delyan Peevski", and "Return the budget from scratch. You have 3 weeks."