site.btaPM Zhelyazkov: Rebuffing Referendum Shows Society’s Maturity as Parliament Keeps 2026 Euro Target

The pro-European majority in Parliament reflects the maturity of Bulgarian society and the consistent political will across successive governments to complete the country’s European integration, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said Thursday.

Speaking to reporters at Sofia Airport before flying to the meeting of the European Political Community in Tirana, Zhelyazkov pointed to the pro-European majority in the National Assembly as proof of the country’s political maturity. He traced that continuity from the 1997 cabinet of Ivan Kostov through the governments of Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Sergei Stanishev, Boyko Borissov, the caretaker governments appointed by President Radev, and the Petkov and Denkov administrations.

Zhelyazkov thanked the 171 MPs who endorsed the position Zhelyazkov presented together with Bulgarian National Bank Governor Dimitar Radev, confirming Bulgaria’s aim to join the euro area on January 1, 2026. The vote exceeded the margin needed for constitutional amendments, he noted.

When political preferences align with the national interest and an optimistic view of the benefits for citizens and business, such choices gain recognition from European partners and show Bulgaria’s progress, Zhelyazkov added.

Once Bulgaria receives a positive convergence report, the cabinet will table further measures under the Law on the Introduction of the Euro, covering consumer protection, information and enforcement.

"We will propose changes providing reassurance to Bulgarian society and will not allow speculation, we rely on business to support this, and we will implement the organisational and structural control mechanisms needed to ensure the law is followed and that wrongful practices are prevented. These measures will be targeted, clear and transparent," Zhelyazkov said.

He added that the Bulgarian government understands both the necessary actions and the means to achieve them, because it is clear about our direction—towards increasing the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy and ensuring a more effective integration into the common market.

Zhelyazkov also thanked Kostov for launching the euro path and Borissov for sustaining it over three terms.

“I address our opponents now. We hear their criticism, and accept it insofar as it strengthens our convictions,” Zhelyazkov added.

Earlier this week, Parliament rejected President Rumen Radev’s call for a referendum on Bulgaria’s euro adoption in 2026.