[Bulgaria] Protests: Peaceful protest

Summary

Single-source ACLED detection — awaiting independent verification. Restaurant industry employees and managers in Bulgaria protested in Sandanski on April 9, 2025, demanding the government maintain VAT tax rates at 9% rather than allowing increases up to 20%. The peaceful demonstration reflects industry concerns about potential profit impacts from higher taxation.

Supply chain impact

No commodities or chokepoints are directly mapped to this event; second-order effects depend on how the situation escalates and whether similar protests spread to other sectors or disrupt broader economic activity.

Watch points

• Monitor for expansion of protests to other industries or cities, which could signal broader economic unrest
• Track government response and any policy announcements regarding VAT taxation changes
• Watch for potential impacts on tourism and hospitality sectors if protests continue or intensify