Protesters in Sofia rally outside presidential administration over foreign policy, security

SOFIA, BULGARIA - OCT. 20: Demonstrators gathered outside the presidential administration building in Sofia on Tuesday, Oct. 20, to protest the foreign policy and national security approach of Vice President Iliana Iotova and President Rumen Radev.

Organized through social media networks, participants wave Bulgarian and European Union flags while chanting slogans demanding the resignation of officials.

Demonstrators criticized ongoing engagement with Russia, urging Bulgarian authorities to align more closely with European security protocols and bolster national defense spending amid regional geopolitical instability.

The rally concluded peacefully after two hours under a heavy police presence surrounding government buildings in central Sofia.