Bulgaria1s Government said on Tuesday it is withdrawing a controversial budget proposal after protests against it drew tens of thousands of people and saw clashes between police and protesters. Opposition and business groups have warned that plans for higher taxes, increased social security contributions and spending increases could hurt investment and expand the shadow economy as the country prepares to join the eurozone at the start of next year.
The Government first promised to withdraw the draft for thorough revision after protests last week, but later refused to do so, sparking protests in the capital, Sofia, and other major cities on Monday night. Organisers said that 50,000 people attended the protest in Sofia. The protest in Sofia, which was dominated by young people, was largely peaceful at first, but it was followed by violent clashes.
Jumping and chanting slogans like “We will not allow ourselves to be lied to; we will not allow ourselves to be robbed” and “Resignation,” demonstrators demanded that the Government revise the draft or step down. In front of the Parliament, banners were displayed reading “Generation Z is Coming” and “Young Bulgaria Without the Mafia.” People attending a rally against austerity measures in draft budget in Sofia
