Corruption and Chaos Fuel Mass Protests in Bulgaria—Lessons for America on Sovereignty and Accountability

In Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, tens of thousands have taken to the streets in what has become the largest antigovernmental protest in years. The unrest, sparked by a controversial budget proposal and deep public frustration with entrenched corruption, escalated into violence and vandalism. At least five people were injured and over ten detained after clashes between demonstrators and police. The heart of the turmoil lies not just in economic grievances but in the shadow of powerful oligarchs like Delyan Peevski—a figure sanctioned by both the United States and the United Kingdom for corruption—whose influence permeates Bulgaria’s political elite. Protesters demand the...