News
Thousands Protest in Bulgaria Against Euro Adoption, Demand Referendum on Currency Change
Thousands of Bulgarians rallied across the country on Saturday to protest the government’s plans to adopt the euro and replace the national currency, the Bulgarian lev. Demonstrators called for a national referendum on the issue, warning that eurozone membership could lead to higher prices and the loss of economic sovereignty.
The protests, organized by the ultranationalist Revival Party and several non-governmental organizations, took place in the capital Sofia and multiple other cities. Demonstrations began around midday and drew large crowds voicing opposition to the government’s euro adoption agenda.
“Bulgaria must preserve its currency and its freedom,” said Revival Party leader Kostadin Kostadinov during the Sofia protest. “We do not want the Bulgarian lev to be destroyed. The people want a referendum, and the government must respect that will.”
The protests come amid renewed efforts by Bulgaria’s newly formed government to prioritize eurozone membership. The administration, which took office last month, has named entry into the euro area as a central goal of its economic policy.
Opposition groups argue that the government is moving too quickly and without sufficient public consultation. Many fear that joining the eurozone will lead to inflation, rising costs of living, and diminished control over national monetary policy.
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev recently submitted a formal request to the National Assembly to hold a referendum on the issue. Though the proposal has yet to be debated, it reflects growing pressure from both citizens and opposition parties for a direct vote on the country’s euro ambitions.
In 2024, the European Central Bank ruled that Bulgaria did not yet meet the necessary convergence criteria to join the eurozone, primarily due to its high inflation rate. Nonetheless, the government continues to press forward with preparatory steps.
Bulgaria is one of seven European Union member states that have not adopted the euro. Alongside the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden, it remains outside the currency union. All except Denmark — which has a formal opt-out — are obligated to join once they fulfill the economic and legal requirements.
As political tensions rise and public opinion remains divided, the future of Bulgaria’s currency hangs in the balance — with growing calls for the people to have the final say.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
News
White House Unveils “Media Hall of Shame” Portal as Attacks on Press Intensify
News
Russia Launches Massive Overnight Barrage on Ukraine as Peace Talks With U.S. Continue
-
Entertainment1 year agoMeta Acquires Tilda Swinton VR Doc ‘Impulse: Playing With Reality’
-
Business2 years agoSaudi Arabia’s Model for Sustainable Aviation Practices
-
Business2 years agoRecent Developments in Small Business Taxes
-
Home Improvement1 year agoEffective Drain Cleaning: A Key to a Healthy Plumbing System
-
Politics2 years agoWho was Ebrahim Raisi and his status in Iranian Politics?
-
Business1 year agoCarrectly: Revolutionizing Car Care in Chicago
-
Sports1 year agoKeely Hodgkinson Wins Britain’s First Athletics Gold at Paris Olympics in 800m
-
Business1 year agoSaudi Arabia: Foreign Direct Investment Rises by 5.6% in Q1
