Euro Referendum Rejected
On Monday, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev proposed a national referendum on whether the country should adopt the euro in 2026. The following day, Parliament Chair Nataliya Kiselova dismissed the proposal as unconstitutional, prompting strong reactions across the political spectrum, CE Report quotes BTA
President Radev criticized the decision as undermining public trust in institutions and called it a step away from democratic values. Vice President Iliana Iotova also supported the referendum, warning against the “desecration” of the Bulgarian lev.
Parliamentary leaders from GERB, MRF, and Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria defended Kiselova’s decision, citing constitutional grounds. GERB leader Boyko Borissov confirmed Parliament will not consider the proposal, while CC-DB's Nikolay Denkov emphasized the importance of adhering to legal procedures.
Opposition party Vazrazhdane called for Kiselova’s resignation and announced plans to collect signatures in Parliament to force the motion. Meanwhile, Velichie accused Borissov and MRF’s Delyan Peevski of influencing the Chair's actions.
Despite the political divide, Bulgaria’s banking sector and major employer groups declared full support for euro adoption by January 1, 2026, reaffirming the country’s technical readiness.
