Violent protests erupted in Sofia, Bulgaria on Saturday as thousands of nationalist demonstrators clashed with police over the government's plans to adopt the euro currency. Approximately 1,000 to several thousand protesters, led by the pro-Russia nationalist Revival party, attempted to storm the European Union mission building, throwing red paint, firecrackers, and Molotov cocktails.

The confrontation resulted in minor injuries to around 10 police officers, with approximately six protesters detained. The government subsequently issued a statement condemning the attacks as 'unacceptable and contradicting the principles of the rule of law.'

Revival party chairman Kostadin Kostadinov expressed strong opposition to the currency change. We don't want Bulgarian financial independence to be destroyed. We want to keep the Bulgarian lev, he stated, demanding a public referendum on the issue.

Bulgaria's new government, installed last month following the country's seventh snap election in four years, has committed to joining the eurozone. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced plans to set a 2025 state budget deficit of about 3%, aiming for euro adoption by January 1, 2026.

The transition faces significant public skepticism, with many Bulgarians concerned about potential price increases similar to those experienced in Croatia in 2023. However, economists suggest that adopting the euro could benefit Bulgaria - the EU's poorest member state - by attracting foreign investment and improving credit ratings.

The Revival party, currently the third-largest in parliament, has threatened to block the National Assembly's work if their demands for a referendum are not met. The protests began at the Bulgarian National Bank headquarters before moving to the European Commission office, where demonstrators waved national and party flags while chanting anti-euro slogans.