Bulgarian President Submits Proposal for 2026 Euro Referendum Amid Political Dispute

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has submitted a proposal to the National Assembly to hold a referendum on adopting the euro as Bulgaria's currency in 2026, framing it as a democratic test of the parliament and a chance for citizens to decide their future. However, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov strongly opposes the referendum, emphasizing that Bulgaria has already committed to eurozone membership through EU treaties and that the Constitutional Court ruled such a referendum unconstitutional in 2024. Zhelyazkov accused Radev of politicizing the issue and aligning with nationalist parties, warning that the president's actions risk destabilizing Bulgaria's European future. National Assembly Speaker Natalia Kiselova noted that the referendum proposal had yet to be formally submitted and highlighted past Constitutional Court rulings questioning the authority to hold referendums on the euro, calling for a thorough review of the proposal's justification. The debate reflects broader political divisions, with pro-European leaders advocating euro adoption as a step toward deeper integration amid geopolitical tensions, while some economists and political groups express concerns about Bulgaria's economic readiness and warn of nationalist opposition using disinformation. Recent public unrest and protests in Sofia underscore the contentious nature of the euro adoption issue within Bulgaria.