Bulgarian lawmakers vote down euro referendum proposal

BERLIN

Bulgaria's National Assembly on Wednesday rejected a proposal from a small party to hold a referendum on keeping the lev as the country's sole official currency until 2043.

The motion by the Eurosceptic "Greatness" party was defeated with 65 votes in favor, 110 against and 28 abstentions during parliament's first sitting after its summer recess, according to Sofia News Agency.

The vote concluded a debate that began several weeks ago and revealed divisions within Bulgaria over eurozone membership. Following the vote, the far-right Revival party abruptly left the chamber. Party leader Kostadin Kostadinov accused the parliament of undermining democracy, asserting that most Bulgarians oppose eurozone membership and desire a referendum on the issue.

Bulgaria is scheduled to become the 21st member of the euro area on Jan. 1, 2026, after the European Union's finance ministers gave their final approval during their July meeting for the country to join the eurozone.