The demonstrations started in late November, provoked by the draft budget, which included higher taxes and increased social security contributions. The measures hit young Bulgarians particularly hard, fuelling fears of shrinking opportunities and doubts whether they can build a stable future in their country.

Although the plan was withdrawn on 2 December, widespread anger over political instability and corruption turned into an anti-government movement. Protestors and the opposition had already called for Zhelyazkov’s resignation in November.

“The budget was the reason to protest, but the root cause is that we see no prospects for staying in Bulgaria, starting a business or building a family,” said 18-year-old student Martin Atanassov.

By 10 December, more than 100,000 people had joined rallies in Sofia, the capital, and other cities including Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas and Ruse. Sofia’s mayor described the city’s demonstrations as the biggest of the last decade. The prime minister admitted: “Young and old, people from different ethnic groups have spoken out for the resignation.”

“At its heart, Gen Z’s political demand is for an end to corruption,” said Mimi Shishkova, a publisher and influencer who has become a key figure for young Bulgarians through her online political explainers.

Many other influencers reinforced Gen Z’s opposition, with protest-related explainer videos using the generation’s unfiltered humour going viral on Bulgarian TikTok and reaching 488,000 people – a record in online engagement compared to recent years.

@omaragamyy2 THEY WON! #bulgaria #bulgarian #fyp ♬ original sound – omaragamyy2

The memes also appeared on the banners at the rallies, with slogans such as “Gen Z is coming for U! Run!” and “Take your girlfriend on a date at the protest.”

By holding signs such as “Young Bulgaria Without the Mafia”, young protestors also called out oligarch Delyan Peevski and ex-prime minister Boyko Borissov, whom they view as responsible for keeping Bulgaria among the most corrupt countries in the EU.

The unrest coincides with Bulgaria’s planned adoption of the euro on 1 January, though less than 50% of Bulgarians are in support of the change due to fears of inflation.