Bulgarians Rally in Multiple Cities Against Euro Adoption, Demand Referendum

Jerusalem, 8 June, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- (BTA) – Protesters with flags and slogans in defense of the Bulgarian lev marched through the streets of Razgrad, Sliven and Plovdiv to protest with the transition to the single European currency and insisted on holding a national referendum on the issue.

“We want our voice to be heard, to show that this concerns us. To show that what is happening is not accidental, but scary,” Stefka Doneva told those gathered in Razgrad. According to her, people need to have patience and self-control, because what is happening is not pleasant and easy. According to Doneva, citizens must be united and say “no to the euro.” “We are going out to protest for the second time with our strength, will and energy to oppose the energy of the government,” she added.

Nevyan Nachev informed the protesters about what journalist Nedyalko Nedyalkov wrote on his Facebook profile, stating that Slovakia is considering a veto against the euro. He emphasized that as long as people protest peacefully and quietly, no one will hear them, so their actions must be intensified.

The representative of “Vazrazhdane” and the organizer of the protest, Deyan Datsev, said that people are protesting because they want one thing only – a referendum to preserve the Bulgarian lev. He emphasized that if there are no retaliatory actions from the parliament and the government and every citizen of Bulgaria expresses his desire “for” or “against” the euro, discontent in Bulgaria will grow even more noticeably. According to him, more serious strike actions will be taken, such as blocking roads, even if necessary, blocking institutions.

According to those gathered in the square in Plovdiv, the introduction of the euro will lead to an increase in prices, a deterioration in the standard of living and a limitation of the country’s economic sovereignty. Critics said the experience of countries that have replaced their national currency with the euro, such as Greece, showed that prices have risen.

The protest in Plovdiv was also attended by the deputy chairman of the “Vazrazhdane” party, Petar Petrov, according to whom the Bulgarian people are waking up and he will do everything possible to hold a referendum and for this government to fall from power.

The European Commission and the European Central Bank recently reported that Bulgaria meets the criteria for introducing the euro from January 1, 2026.

Further protests are scheduled.