On Bulgarian Protest Wave IV

Bulgaria’s protests: what just happened and what anti-corruption movements elsewhere can learn?

In just two weeks, mass protests in Bulgaria forced the government to resign. This rapid outcome was not accidental. It resulted from a combination of strategic choices that may be relevant far beyond the Bulgarian case.

First, the protests focused on shared grievances: corruption, arrogant political behavior, and the misuse of public funds. This framing united a highly fragmented opposition (liberals, nationalists, lefts, others) and mobilised citizens across social classes, ethnicities, religions, and the diaspora.

Second, social media platforms, especially TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook turned mobilisation into a cultural phenomenon. Influencers amplified participation, making protest socially visible and attractive rather than marginal.

Third, while opposition parties handled logistics (stage, security, coordination), the protests deliberately avoided a partisan image. No party flags or slogans dominated the space; instead, the stage was opened to speakers from diverse social groups, including Roma and Turkish minorities, reinforcing the sense of broad civic participation.

Fourth, mobilisation followed a rhythm for scalling up the protest. Demonstrations were held once per week, avoiding burnout in daily protest or student blockades, and allowing participation to grow steadily — from around 100,000 to 200,000–300,000 within two weeks.

Finally, despite the presence of radical groups, the overwhelming commitment to non-violent resistance proved decisive. Non-violence preserved legitimacy and mass support, even as debates about escalation continue in the absence of deeper systemic change.

Bulgaria once again shows that mass protest can be highly effective, but also that lasting change depends on what follows after the resignation. We will see in the next months.