Large-scale protests are taking place this evening in Sofia and in more than 25 major cities across Bulgaria. Demonstrators are calling for the resignation of the government, the removal of Delyan Peevski and Boyko Borissov from power, and the adoption of a fair 2026 state budget. The main rally in Sofia is centered in the Triangle of Power and Independence Square, where a stage and a large screen were set up in the late afternoon.
Earlier in the day, three student marches — two from Sofia University (“Students Against the Mafia” and the “STOP” initiative) and one from NATFA — converged toward the central protest. Organizers expect turnout to surpass last week’s demonstration, as the rally coincides with tomorrow’s sixth vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Rossen Zhelyazkov’s cabinet. The motion was introduced by We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria, who argue that the government is effectively controlled by Borissov and Peevski.
Protesters reaffirmed these accusations, insisting that the cabinet lacks democratic legitimacy. Symbolic props from previous demonstrations also returned: next to the well-known pink piggy-bank sculpture, a large yellow sofa appeared, humorously labeled “Divan, Divan,” a play on the name of MP Bayram Bayram. In Bulgarian, divan means sofa, and organizers are using this symbol to urge ITN leader Slavi Trifonov to withdraw support for the government — a move that could bring down the ruling coalition.
Traffic Restrictions in Central Sofia
Due to the expected crowds, the Sofia Municipality and police introduced significant traffic restrictions:
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Parking is prohibited (except for SDVR vehicles) on:
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The parking area at Knyaz Alexander I Square
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Moskowska Street between Georgi S. Rakovski St. and Budapest St.
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Georgi Benkovski Street between Dondukov Blvd. and Moskowska St.
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Budapest Street between Dondukov Blvd. and Moskowska St.
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Nikolay Gyaurov Square
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From 18:00 until the end of the protest, vehicle access may be restricted on:
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Moskowska Street between Rakovski St. and Budapest St.
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Georgi Benkovski Street between Dondukov Blvd. and Moskowska St.
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Budapest Street between Dondukov Blvd. and Moskowska St.
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Police have deployed additional officers to secure the area and regulate traffic at key intersections.