Thousands of Bulgarians took to the streets in Sofia and other major cities on Saturday to oppose the government’s plan to replace the lev with the euro, a key step in the country’s deeper integration into the European Union.

The new Bulgarian government, formed last month, has made eurozone membership a key priority, aiming to strengthen Bulgaria’s position in the EU. However, opposition parties and protesters want a national referendum before making such a major change.

“Revival Bulgaria has the will of the people, and that will now says clearly: we do not want the Bulgarian lev destroyed,” said Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of the Revival party. “We want to preserve Bulgaria’s freedom, and that’s why we demand a referendum.”

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has also pushed for a referendum, citing concerns over inflation and the impact on vulnerable groups. He recently submitted a request to parliament to hold the vote, but the pro-EU majority rejected it, accusing Radev of acting under Russian influence.

Economic worries are heightened by recent reports that Bulgaria’s inflation is still too high for euro adoption, according to the European Central Bank. This delay has added to public anxiety over the timing and effects of joining the eurozone.

Currently, seven EU countries—including Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland—have not adopted the euro. While Denmark has an opt-out, the others are expected to join once they meet strict economic criteria.

Many Bulgarians, especially in rural areas, remain skeptical of the euro, fearing it will hurt their purchasing power and livelihoods.

As Bulgaria awaits Brussels’ decision expected in June, the debate over the lev versus the euro continues to shape the nation’s political and economic landscape.

Copied