Bulgaria: Thousands rally in Sofia as protesters clash with police

Tension rose in Sofia on Thursday as Bulgaria's Budget and Finance Committee began work two hours early, prompting anger from the opposition WCC-DB, who said the move sidelined them during key talks on the Health Insurance Fund.

Outside Parliament, protests against the 2026 state budget escalated when some participants tried to break a police cordon. Officers reported glass bottles and firecrackers thrown at them, and three police were injured.

Demonstrators blocked exits, set up makeshift barricades and accused MPs of pushing the budget through without proper debate.

Despite the unrest, the committee approved the 2026 Health Insurance Fund budget, which totals 5.572 billion euro.