Protest under Motto “Forever in Europe! Peevski Out of Power” Takes Place in Sofia

Tatiana Marinova, Nikoleta Vasileva

Protesters gather in front of the Palace of Justice under the slogan “Forever in Europe! Peevski Out of Power”, Sofia, June 3, 2025 (BTA Photo/Blagoy Kirilov)

Sofia,

03.06.2025 20:03

(BTA)

A protest under the slogan “Forever in Europe! [Movement for Rights and Freedoms - New Beginning leader Delyan] Peevski Out of Power,” organized by the civil initiative Justice for All, took place Tuesday in front of the Palace of Justice in Sofia.

The demonstration has drawn the participation of politicians, municipal councillors, public figures, and citizens.

The organizers said they are gathering in anticipation of the upcoming convergence report on Bulgaria’s readiness to join the euro area, to voice support for the country’s future as a full-fledged member of the European Union. “On the day after June 2, we come together to affirm our commitment to the legacy of [Hristo] Botev and [Vasil] Levski, a free and independent Bulgaria, equal to the other nations of Europe,” the organizers said.

Justice for All said that in a lawful and democratic European state, oligarchs, local strongmen, and corrupt officials should not hold power. “The principles of a parliamentary republic must not be trampled, and the judiciary must not be captured or subordinated.”

“Bulgaria is in Europe and must stay there, but it must enter its core,” said Velislav Velichkov, Chair of the Governing Board of Justice for All. In his words, Bulgaria must be part of the key decisions for Europe and for the European Union. “It is extremely important for the country to join the euro area as of January 2026,” Velichkov added.

He explained that the date of the protest was not chosen at random — it comes on the eve of the convergence report, which is the final hurdle Bulgaria must clear. Velichkov also noted that the initiative has been protesting for three months already, because, in his words, “those who have not won power should not wield it.” He said Movement for Rights and Freedoms – New Beginning is the fourth-largest political force but effectively controls the legislative and executive branches and seeks to dominate the judiciary. “That is not possible in a democracy. For Bulgaria to be in the heart of Europe, Peevski must not be in power,” Velichkov said.

“MPs can only act if you are here,” Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria Co-chair Kiril Petkov told the protesters. “You are the guarantor that Bulgaria remains in the European Union,” he added. According to Petkov, the path forward is clear: Bulgaria at the heart of Europe, a Bulgaria without corruption.

“One hundred and fifty years ago, Botev spoke of European values, of education and culture,” Petkov said. “Very slowly, we’ve managed to take another step closer to the European Union,” he added. Petkov also said that public discussions will be held about a European candidate for president, “because we want this person to lead us on the path to Europe.”

The demonstrators marched to the old Parliament building. Addressing the crowd, Velichkov said this would not be the final protest organized by the Justice for All Initiative.

/IV/