Bulgarian Premier Quits as Crisis Hits Before Euro Entry

Rosen Zhelyazkov speaks in parliament in Sofia, on Dec. 11.Source: BNA/AP Photo

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stepped down after a wave of protests, deepening political chaos just weeks before the Balkan country joins the euro area.

Zhelyazkov resigned before a vote of no confidence takes place on Thursday. His move comes after tens of thousands of Bulgarians rallied for days against the parties backing his government, occasionally clashing with the police.