Bulgaria’s government steps down minutes before no-confidence vote

• Bulgaria's government resigned on Thursday amidst mass protests, just weeks before the country is due to join the eurozone.
• The minority coalition, led by the centre-right Gerb party, stepped down minutes before a no-confidence vote over economic mismanagement and widespread corruption.
• Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stated the government's resignation reflected the will of the people, following demonstrations that drew over 100,000 protesters.
• A key source of public frustration is the influence of politician and oligarch Delyan Peevski, sanctioned by the US and UK, whose party supports the government.
• President Rumen Radev will now ask parliamentary parties to form a new government; if unsuccessful, an interim administration will be appointed until new elections.

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Bulgaria’s entire government resigns after mass protests over corruption