Budapest, 11 December 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Bulgaria's pro-Western government unexpectedly resigned on Thursday in the wake of large-scale protests and allegations of corruption.

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov made the announcement ahead of a planned vote of no confidence in parliament brought by the opposition.

Tens of thousands of people participated in protests across the country on Wednesday evening calling for the centre-right government to step down.

Zhelyazkov had previously held out against the demands, saying: "It is not the time to abandon ship."

The protests began two weeks ago, originally against the government's draft budget for 2026, which would have raised taxes. They quickly broadened to target the Zhelyazkov's government itself.

After riots at the ruling party's headquarters, the Cabinet withdrew the controversial budget plan.

Zhelyazkov's government has only been in office since mid-January.

The political turmoil comes at a historic moment for Bulgaria. The EU country is set to introduce the euro on January 1, 2026.

MIA file photo