Bulgarian Protests Throw Euro Area’s Next Member Into Crisis

Protesters during an anti-government demonstration in Sofia, on Dec. 10.Photographer: Valentina Petrova/AP Photo

A wave of street protests against ruling class graft is destabilizing Bulgaria just weeks before the Balkan nation is set to join the euro.

What should be a moment for celebration has exposed a growing sense of resentment, especially among younger Bulgarians, after years of European Union membership failed to deliver on a promise of improved rule of law.