Thousands of people filled the streets of Sofia on Wednesday to protest steep tax increases in next year’s draft budget. The opposition coalition We Continue the Change, Democratic Bulgaria organized the rally, which drew around 20,000 participants. The protest comes as Bulgaria prepares to join the eurozone early next year.
People are worried about how the budget will affect them and businesses. Social security contributions are going up, and the dividend tax is set to double. Protesters formed a human chain around parliament and tried to block deputies’ cars, leading police to step in. Officers said some demonstrators threw bottles and firecrackers, and three people were injured.
Economists and social groups have warned that the draft budget carries major risks. But the government coalition holds a strong majority in parliament, making it likely that the budget will pass. The plan sets a record for government spending at nearly 46 percent of GDP, funded by higher taxes and a sharp rise in public debt.