"Hundreds gathered outside the Bulgarian National Bank and the Parliament in Sofia on Wednesday to protest the introduction of the euro currency into the country, which is set to take place in January. Footage shows protesters rallying in front of the National Bank with flags and signs denouncing the euro. Demonstrators then marched on the streets, before confronting the police outside the Parliament building. "Today we have raised our heads to say clearly and loudly: The Bulgarian lev will remain in the future," stated Rosen Milenov, a co-organiser of the protest. "When this bank is gone tomorrow, there will be no Bulgarian state either," added Vladimir Chonov, another protest organiser. The protest was organised by the Doyran 2025 Association, with similar demonstrations reported in other Bulgarian cities, including Vidin, Vratsa and Veliko Tarnovo, local media said. Organisers said the protest was driven by what they described as the illegitimacy of Bulgaria's caretaker government, arguing it has no mandate to approve a budget or implement the euro. The country has seen political turmoil in recent weeks after Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's government resigned amid rising anger over alleged widespread corruption and a contentious 2026 budget. Bulgaria is set to join the Eurozone in January 2026, fulfilling a commitment made in 2007 when it joined the European Union."