Thousands of protesters clashed with police outside an EU mission building in Sofia on Saturday, opposing Bulgaria's planned adoption of the euro in 2024.
In Sofia on Saturday, several thousand demonstrators gathered outside the European Union mission building to voice their opposition to Bulgaria's plans to join the eurozone next year. The protesters, largely supporters of the ultra-nationalist Revival party, threw red paint, firecrackers, and Molotov cocktails at the building, which caused a fire at the entrance. Police responded, leading to minor injuries for about 10 officers and the detention of six protesters.
The government condemned the incident, stating that attacks on EU buildings contradict the principles of the rule of law.
The protests initially began in front of Bulgaria's central bank, where effigies of EU officials, including European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, were burned. Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of the Revival party, emphasized that the protest was aimed at preserving Bulgaria's financial independence and preventing the loss of the Bulgarian lev.
Bulgaria’s newly formed government has reiterated its intention to adopt the euro in 2024, a move that has sparked mixed reactions among the public. Some Bulgarians are concerned that the transition may lead to higher living costs, citing similar concerns raised in Croatia following its adoption of the euro in 2023.
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