Bulgaria is witnessing its biggest civic mobilisation in decades — and we are proud that El País included insights from our director, Rumena Filipova, in their coverage.
Dr. Filipova highlighted something crucial: today’s protests are not an isolated event. They build on years of growing civic cooperation and community-driven action, starting in 2013 and accelerating after the 2020 anti-corruption movement. More and more Bulgarians are forming horizontal networks of citizen solidarity, working together for accountability and change.
This year, Generation Z has stepped into the spotlight. Their energy, clarity, and refusal to accept corruption as a given send a powerful message — not only in Bulgaria but across the globe.
The hope shared by many protesters is straightforward:
- to end entrenched corruption
- to build a state administration that is meritocratic, transparent and capable of driving real reform
At IGA, we will keep working to promote democratic resilience, civic participation, and effective anti-corruption policies in Bulgaria and across Europe.