Corruption Drives Bulgaria’s Cycle of Political Instability

Corruption has become endemic in Bulgaria, ranging from pervasive petty graft to state capture. Public discontent over recurring scandals has resulted in several waves of mass protests; the most recent, at the end of 2025, was the biggest in the country’s postcommunist history and forced the government to resign. New political parties have claimed the anti-corruption mantle, yet they tend to lack staying power, and democratic institutions have been hollowed out.