2013 Bulgarian protests against the first Borisov cabinet

Electrical power distribution in Bulgaria was managed by a state-owned monopoly until 2005, when the government sold 67% of it to three foreign power companies - German E.ON, Austrian EVN Group and Czech ČEZ Group. In 2011, E.ON sold its Bulgarian branch to Energo-Pro, a private Czech power company, and on the next year the state sold its stakes in CEZ.{{cite web|url=http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=147917|title=Rallies Call for Nationalization of Bulgaria's Power Utilities by Febr 22|publisher=Novinite|date=17 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}} EVN, ČEZ and Energo-Pro virtually operate as private regional monopolies whose activities are overseen by the State Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (SCEWR).{{cite web|url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2013/02/bulgarias-electricity-prices|title=Protesting about power prices|publisher=The Economist|date=15 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}} The state also sold its power distribution infrastructure to these private distributors, thus losing control over the management of profits.{{cite web|url=http://www.segabg.com/article.php?issueid=2449§ionid=5&id=0001301|title=Монополите - открит урок по пазар|author=Emil Hursev|publisher=Sega|date=23 October 2006|access-date=23 February 2013}} The main energy companies are believed to have acquired debts in the four years preceding the demonstrations, which partly contributed to a rather unbalanced situation in the energy sphere.{{cite web|url=http://www.mi.government.bg/files/useruploads/files/obshtestven_syvet/protocol_7.pdf|title=ПРОТОКОЛ № 7 от заседание на Обществения съвет към министъра на икономиката и енергетиката, създаден със Заповед № РД-16-489 от 03.04.2013 г. на министъра на икономиката, енергетиката и туризма (p. 1)|publisher=Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism |date=21 June 2013|access-date=14 April 2014}} In addition, residents of Sofia have been voicing their concerns for years against the city's district heating provider – Toplofikatsiya Sofia, which has a monopoly on heat distribution in the city. Discontent has been created by very high prices and the fact that the company only reviews readings from customers' calorimetres once a year and the rest of the time it forms bills using "estimates", the complex and allegedly illegal formulas the company uses for calculating the bills and the lack of accountability and the practices of the so-called "heating accountancy firms", which act as middle-men between Toplofikatsiya and its customers.[http://bnt.bg/bg/news/view/94244/protest_sreshtu_monopola_na_toplofikacija Protest Against Toplofikatsiya's Monopoly] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222080540/http://bnt.bg/bg/news/view/94244/protest_sreshtu_monopola_na_toplofikacija |date=22 February 2013 }} (in Bulgarian), BNT, 4 Feb 2013. Retrieved 2 Mar 2013.[http://www.24chasa.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1727553 Disgruntled customers burn their heating bills in protest against Toplofikatsiya] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121125139/http://www.24chasa.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1727553 |date=21 January 2013 }} (in Bulgarian) 24 Chasa, 20 Jan 2013. Retrieved 2 Mar 2013.[http://inews.bg/%D0%91%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F/%D0%93%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B2%D1%8F%D1%82-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BD-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82-%D1%81%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%89%D1%83-%D0%A2%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%84%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%A1%D0%BE%D1%84%D0%B8%D1%8F_l.a_c.327_i.258431.html National Protest against Toplofikatsiya Sofia is being prepared] (in Bulgarian) iNews.bg, 4 Feb 2013. Retrieved 2 Mar 2013.[http://news.ibox.bg/news/id_582472989 Sofianites Revolting Against "The Organized Criminal Group That Is Toplofikatsiya"] (in Bulgarian), Ibox News, 4 Feb 2013. Retrieved 2 Mar 2013.[http://dariknews.bg/view_article.php?article_id=1035227 Protest being organized against the high heating bills] (in Bulgarian), Darik News, 4 Feb 2013. Retrieved 2 Mar 2013.

File:S8303279.JPG. Renewable sources satisfy 12 per cent of electricity needs in Bulgaria.]]

At the same time, Bulgaria has a rapidly expanding renewable energy market. Growth in the sector has surpassed forecasts and has notably increased prices and strain on the electrical grid in the past few years.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/bulgaria-renewables-cuts-idUSL6E8HP05S20120629|title=Bulgaria cuts preferential prices for renewable energy|publisher=Reuters|date=29 June 2012|access-date=23 February 2013}} Investment in wind and solar power installations between 2008 and 2012 in Bulgaria is estimated at more than 4 billion euros, which needs to be repaid by surcharges on electricity prices over the next years.{{cite web|title=Electricity Tariff Deficit: Temporary or Permanent Problem in the EU?|url=http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/economic_paper/2014/pdf/ecp534_en.pdf|publisher=European Commission|date=October 2014}} Since 2005, electricity prices for industrial consumers, along with other utilities, have doubled or tripled.{{cite web|url=http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=141087|title=Bulgaria Business Snubs Shock Electricity Price Spike|publisher=Novinite|date=9 July 2012|access-date=23 February 2013}} In 2011, SCEWR rejected demands by regional monopolies to increase power prices,{{cite web|url=http://www.dnevnik.bg/biznes/2011/06/22/1110272_energiiniiat_regulator_shte_obiasniava_kak_se_formira/|title=Енергийният регулатор ще обяснява как се формира цената на тока|publisher=Dnevnik|date=22 June 2011|access-date=23 February 2013}} but a string of severe price spikes occurred in 2012 as a consequence of renewable energy charges.{{cite web|url=http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=140920|title=Bulgaria's Energy Watchdog Chair Vows Amendments against Price Spikes|publisher=Novinite|date=3 July 2012|access-date=23 February 2013}} In response, the government drastically cut preferential feed-in tariffs for solar power with 50%, and with 22% for wind power. SCEWR also increased power transmission fees by 50 per cent in an attempt to curb green energy production. These measures led to a drop in electricity exports and withdrawal of investment projects, but prices continued to rise slowly in the following months.{{cite web|url=http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=145995|title=Bulgaria Registers Deflation Nov 2012 M/M|publisher=Novinite|date=12 December 2012|access-date=23 February 2013}} Subsequent inflation caused by higher production costs was recorded as the highest for the past four years.{{cite web|url=http://www.capital.bg/politika_i_ikonomika/bulgaria/2012/08/13/1886948_inflaciiata_stigna_4-godishen_vruh_zaradi_novite_ceni/|title=Инфлацията стигна 4-годишен връх заради новите цени на тока и газа|publisher=Kapital|date=13 August 2012|access-date=23 February 2013}}

Electricity costs are one of the main expenditures for Bulgarian citizens. Local analysts estimated that with rising living costs, almost 100 per cent of the average Bulgarian household's monthly income would be spent on utilities, food, transportation, healthcare and education.{{cite web|url=http://bnr.bg/sites/radiobulgaria/Economy/Business/Pages/ceni%20na%20stoki.aspx|title=Растат цените на основни стоки и услуги през есента|publisher=Bulgarian National Radio|access-date=23 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226033707/http://bnr.bg/sites/radiobulgaria/Economy/Business/Pages/ceni%20na%20stoki.aspx|archive-date=26 December 2012|df=dmy-all}} Currently 85 per cent of household monthly incomes are spent on basic necessities. Prices in Bulgaria amount to 49 per cent of the European Union average,{{cite web |url=http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&plugin=1&language=en&pcode=tec00120|title=Comparative price levels|publisher=Eurostat|access-date=20 June 2012}} At the same time average salaries are the lowest among European Union members at 768 leva (393 euro) for September 2012.{{cite web|title=Average monthly wages and salaries in 2012|url=http://www.nsi.bg/otrasalen.php?otr=51&a1=2005&a2=2006&a3=2010&a4=2011#cont|publisher=National Statistical Institute|access-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526055815/http://www.nsi.bg/otrasalen.php?otr=51&a1=2005&a2=2006&a3=2010&a4=2011#cont|archive-date=26 May 2013|df=dmy-all}} The minimum wage is ten times lower than that of some member states,{{cite web|url=http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/tgm/table.do?tab=table&init=1&language=en&pcode=tps00155&plugin=1|title=Minimum wages|publisher=Eurostat|year=2013|access-date=7 March 2013}} amounting to 310 leva (159 euro), or about 1 euro per hour. Twenty-two per cent of the labour force are employed on a minimum wage.{{cite web|url=http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_PUBLIC/3-20122012-AP/EN/3-20122012-AP-EN.PDF |title=One out of six employees in the EU27 was a low-wage earner in 2010 |publisher=Eurostat |date=20 December 2012 |access-date=20 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224023912/http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_PUBLIC/3-20122012-AP/EN/3-20122012-AP-EN.PDF |archive-date=24 December 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://dnes.dir.bg/news/zaplati-darzhvni-sluzhiteli-rabotna-zaplata-12712869|title=Вдига се минималната работна заплата|publisher=Dir.bg|date=1 January 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}} For the past three years, incomes have marked almost no change, while prices have increased significantly. Austerity measures encouraged by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund during the recession have resulted in "catastrophic" social consequences according to the International Trade Union Confederation. The government of Boyko Borisov strictly imposed austerity measures and sustained fiscal stability, but also delayed government payments to private companies,{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/bulgarias-prime-minister-austerity-remains-whats-next-222318225.html|title=Bulgaria's prime minister is out, but austerity remains. What's next?|publisher=Yahoo News|date=23 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}} and was criticised for worsening corruption and media freedom{{cite web|url=http://econ.bg/%D0%90%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B8/%D0%92-%D0%91%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0-%D1%81%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%B0-%D1%81%D0%B5-%D0%B2%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%88%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0_l.a_i.380238_at.4.html|title=В България медийната свобода се влошава|publisher=Econ.bg|date=10 April 2012|access-date=23 February 2013}} indicators, political authoritarianism and general economic stagnation. As a consequence, the support for Borisov and his centre-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party has been steadily declining since 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.trud.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1778262|title=Борисов падна до Станишев|publisher=Trud|date=18 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604051703/http://www.trud.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1778262|archive-date=4 June 2013|df=dmy-all}} A major blow to GERB's popularity came after their decision to cancel the Belene Nuclear Power Plant project, which was believed to be a way to reduce electricity costs and create jobs. Mass protests for political or social causes are relatively uncommon in Bulgaria, but have become more frequent since 2007, when the issue of the preservation of Strandzha Mountain nature areas came to the forefront.{{cite web|url=http://www.segabg.com/article.php?id=659835|title=Внимавай, ще ти спретна протест!" Гражданското недоволство постигна редица успехи в България. Като видяха, политиците взеха на въоръжение социалния гняв|author=Bozhidarov, Diyan|publisher=segabg.com|date=3 August 2013|access-date=12 May 2014}}

In late January 2013, protests occurred in Blagoevgrad after consumers received electricity bills that were two times higher than those for the previous month.{{cite web|url=http://tv7.bg/news/conflicts/9615372.html|title=Протест срещу сметките за ток в Благоевград|publisher=TV7|date=28 January 2013|access-date=23 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130154130/http://tv7.bg/news/conflicts/9615372.html|archive-date=30 January 2013|df=dmy-all}} Protesters symbolically burned their bills. A protester explained that her bill amounted to 310 leva, of which only 128 leva were for electricity consumption and the remainder were various tariffs and taxes.{{cite web|url=http://bnt.bg/bg/news/view/93785/protest_sreshtu_smetki_za_tok_v_blagoevgrad|title=Протест срещу сметки за ток в Благоевград|publisher=Bulgarian National Television|date=28 January 2013|access-date=23 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728041035/http://bnt.bg/bg/news/view/93785/protest_sreshtu_smetki_za_tok_v_blagoevgrad|archive-date=28 July 2013|df=dmy-all}} Some of the earliest protests also took place in Sandanski.{{cite web|url=http://tv7.bg/predavaneto//video/?id=9637862|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628014051/http://tv7.bg/predavaneto//video/?id=9637862|archive-date=28 June 2013|title=Предаването на Карбовски - 50-та минута|publisher=TV7|date=17 February 2013|access-date=28 March 2014}}{{sfn|Sugarev|2013a|p=122}}

On 10 February, demonstrations occurred in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Shumen, Blagoevgrad, Sandanski, Silistra, Yambol, Gotse Delchev, Belene, Montana, Pazardjik, Dobrich and Kardzhali. The same day, two EVN utility vehicles were set ablaze in Plovdiv.{{cite web | url=http://www.bnews.bg/article-69445 | title=Изпепелиха две коли на EVN в Пловдив | publisher=Bnews | access-date=23 February 2013}} Demonstrators in Sofia gathered in front of the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism and threw snowballs at minister Delyan Dobrev.{{cite web | url=http://btvnews.bg/bulgaria/obshtestvo/protesti-pod-nadslov-zda-zapalim-monopolite-v-15-grada-na-stranata.html | title=Високо напрежение за високите сметки за ток | publisher=bTV | access-date=23 February 2013}} One protester was stabbed in Varna on 13 February 2013.{{cite web | url=http://offnews.bg/index.php/158704/parva-krav-vodachat-na-protesta-vav-varna-naragan-s-nozh | title=Първа кръв: водачът на протеста във Варна наръган с нож | publisher=OFFNews | access-date=23 February 2013}}{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|p=43}} The authorities of Kranevo also voiced discontent at the electricity prices, after communal services costs almost doubled in comparison to the same period of the previous year. The mayor of Kranevo said that his village was not an exception, and most localities in the municipality had the same issues.{{cite web|url=http://btvnews.bg/bulgaria/i-kmetstvata-zapochnaha-da-nedovolstvat-ot-visoki-smetki-za-tok.html|title=И кметствата започнаха да недоволстват от високи сметки за ток|publisher=bTV|date=14 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}}

By mid-February tens of thousands of people were on the streets, demanding nationalisation of the private regional monopolies, removal of subcontractors, assigning traffic and distribution to NEK EAD (the state-owned power distribution company), declassifying all contracts between the state and energy companies and more liberal combined heat and power usage laws, among others.{{cite web | url=http://www.segabg.com/article.php?id=637084 | title=100 000 недоволни блокираха страната в най-масовия протест от 16 години |publisher=Sega|date=18 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}}

On 17 February, a fictitious declaration supposedly written by the three foreign power companies and dismissing the protester demands while calling on them to accept their own responsibility for the situation that had transpired, was circulated in the social media and caused further anger against the energy providers.{{cite web|url=http://www.blitz.bg/news/article/182793|title=Фалшива декларация на ЕРП-тата озвери протестиращите, "ЕРП-тата: сами сте си виновни", гласи провокацията|publisher=blitz.bg|date=17 February 2013|access-date=11 May 2014}} According to analysts, in the initial phase of the demonstrations, more than 50% of the discontent was fuelled by the supposed abuses of the monopol companies, with only 15% traceable to anti-government feelings.{{cite news |url=http://vestnikstroitel.bg/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Stroitel-5-08-s.pdf|title=Три протеста свалиха кабинета в Деня на Левски. След 10 дни бунт срещу високите цени на тока народът обяви, че желае Велико народно събрание и 50% гражданска квота в управлението|access-date=2014-05-12 |date=22 February 2013 |language=Bulgarian |author=Ilcheva, Elitsa|publisher=vestnikstroitel.bg}}

File:Protests in Sofia, 24-02-16, gathering at the Presidency.JPG

File:Protests in Sofia, 24-02-22, shields down.JPG

On 17 February, a national demonstration against monopolies gathered 10,000 people in Plovdiv, 8,000 (up to 30,000 by other estimates) in Varna and a smaller number in other cities.{{cite web|url=http://www.blitz.bg/news/article/182777|title=Протестите ескалират: в София хвърлят пиратки, в Пловдив провокатори подстрекават към вандализъм|publisher=Blitz|date=17 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}}{{cite news |url=http://news.ibox.bg/news/id_2000066583|title=Варна очаква 30 000 протестиращи утре|access-date=2014-04-03 |date=16 February 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=news.ibox.bg}} In total, 100,000 people protested all over the country in 35 cities and towns. Key motorways and transport routes in the country were blocked; rocks, bottles and eggs were thrown against Gendarmerie units, the Ministry of Economy and the National Assembly in the capital.{{cite web | url=http://btvnews.bg/bulgaria/palezh-na-monopolite-v-24-grada-na-stranata.html | title=Масов бой с полицията, палеж на монополите и обстрел с яйца и домати в деня на народно недоволство | publisher=bTV | access-date=23 February 2013}} People chanted "mafia" and "resignation", and carried slogans such as "This is not a protest, it's a process - the struggle for a new Bulgaria", "Down with GERB" and "Janissaries, the end is coming". They gave the government one more week to respond to their demands.{{cite web|url=http://www.focus-news.net/?id=n1750232|title=Протестиращите в столицата заявиха, че дават максимум още седмица на управляващите да изпълнят исканията им|publisher=Focus News|date=17 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}} Clashes occurred near ČEZ's headquarters in Sofia.{{cite web|url=http://sofiaglobe.com/2013/02/17/clashes-between-police-protesters-in-sofia-as-thousands-protest-in-bulgarian-cities-against-electricity-companies/|title=Clashes between police, protesters in Sofia as thousands protest in Bulgarian cities against electricity companies|publisher=The Sofia Globe|date=17 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://news.ibox.bg/news/id_1388348644|title=Последно: протестиращи "навестиха" президентството, ДКЕВР и запалиха знаме пред НС|publisher=news.ibox.bg|date=17 February 2013|access-date=7 April 2014}}

File:Bulgarian protests map, February 2013.png

Some media sources and protesters have used the term "Bulgarian Spring" as a moniker for the demonstrations.{{cite web|url=http://news.ibox.bg/news/id_1886395807|title=Хиляди протестиращи обявиха начало на "Българската пролет|publisher=news.ibox.bg|date=17 February 2013|access-date=3 April 2014}}

On 18 February mass demonstrations continued all over the country. In Sofia, they escalated into civil resistance and protesters attempted to attack the National Assembly.{{cite web|url=http://bnt.bg/bg/news/view/95279/sblysyci_mejdu_policija_i_protestirashti_v_sofija|title=Сблъсъци между полиция и протестиращи в София|publisher=Bulgarian National Television|date=18 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221023151/http://bnt.bg/bg/news/view/95279/sblysyci_mejdu_policija_i_protestirashti_v_sofija|archive-date=21 February 2013|df=dmy-all}} The crowds were pushed back to Eagles' Bridge (the starting point of the protest), and after their demands to begin immediate talks with government representatives remained unanswered, they moved towards the National Palace of Culture. Clashes with police and Gendarmerie units on Hristo Botev boulevard left two police officers injured and six patrol vehicles were damaged. Eleven people were arrested. In Veliko Tarnovo, one man set himself on fire and later died in a hospital.{{cite web|url=http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=148004|title=2nd Bulgarian Man Sets Himself on Fire in Public|publisher=Novinite|date=20 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}} The same day Boyko Borisov dismissed finance minister Simeon Dyankov, although this did not reduce public tensions. Dyankov was unpopular among the population because of his abrupt manners and strong insistence on austerity.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/bulgaria-government-idUSL6N0BI2T520130218|title=UPDATE 3-Bulgaria sacks finance minister amid protests|publisher=Reuters=|date=18 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}} According to some commentators, football fans gradually started to dominate the demonstrations and contributed to their escalation by steering them in a chaotic and violent direction.{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|pp=11-12}}

On the same date, around 30 people led by members of the "No to the EU" coalition (Bulgarian: Коалиция "Не на ЕС") gathered in Sofia and burned a European Union flag, protesting against the EU's supposed discriminatory treatment of Bulgarians and its "toleration of the ethnic minorities in the country", expressing the sentiment that the country needs to exit the economic and political union.{{cite web|url=http://news.ibox.bg/news/id_726690645|title=Горят ЕС знамето в София, искат излизане от съюза|publisher=news.ibox.bg|date=18 February 2013|access-date=3 April 2014}}

On 19 February, which marked 140 years of national hero Vasil Levski's execution, violent clashes between protesters and police occurred in Sofia. Seven people, including two Gendarmerie officers, were injured during a police charge on protesters at Eagles' Bridge.{{cite web|url=http://sofiaglobe.com/2013/02/19/several-injured-in-clashes-in-central-sofia-during-anti-government-protests/|title=Several injured, 25 arrested in clash in central Sofia during anti-government protests|publisher=The Sofia Globe|date=19 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}} 25 people were arrested, with the four minors among them quickly released.{{cite news |url=http://btvnews.bg/video/video/news/arestuvani-i-raneni.html|title=Съд очаква арестуваните от вчерашния протест в София|access-date=2014-06-13 |date=20 February 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=btvnews.bg}} According to eyewitness accounts, a group of around 20 hooded provocateurs inflamed the situation by throwing firecrackers and rocks at police officers. In the ensuing commotion, the police is alleged to have retaliated against peaceful protest participants.{{sfn|Zarkova|2013|pp=344-345}} Some pundits have made claims that the agent provocateurs were actually doing GERB's bidding, with the heads of police and the Interior Ministry deliberately attempting to spark a confrontation.{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|pp=13-15}} President Rosen Plevneliev was booed at during his speech at the Levski Monument. For the first time in history civilians were not allowed to lay flowers at the site.{{cite web|url=http://pressadaily.bg/publication/10222-%D0%A2%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B6%D0%BD%D0%BE-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BA%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4-%D0%9F%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%90%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B0/|title=Тревожно поклонение пред Паметника на Апостола|publisher=Presa|date=19 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}}{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|pp=17-19}} The number of demonstrators in Varna was around 8,000.{{cite web|url=http://offnews.bg/index.php/161253/8000-izlyazoha-na-protesta-vav-varna|title=8000 излязоха на протеста във Варна|publisher=OFFnews|date=19 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}}

On 20 February, on the 11th day of the protests, Boyko Borisov announced that his cabinet would resign, expressing shock due to the violent scenes between protesters and police that he had witnessed and stating that he would never feel comfortable remaining in charge when there is such tension between regular citizens and police.{{cite web|url=http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/bulgarian-prime-minister-borisov-resigns-following-violent-protests-a-884463.html|title=Another Austerity Victim: Bulgarian Government Resigns Amid Protests|publisher=Spiegel Online|date=20 February 2013|access-date=26 February 2013}} The resignation was put to a vote in Parliament on the next morning, with 209 MPs voting "for" and 5 "against".{{cite news |url=http://www.vesti.bg/index.phtml?tid=40&oid=5545411 |title=Парламентът прие оставката на правителството|access-date=2014-03-25 |date=21 February 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=vesti.bg}} A rally gathered in front of the Parliament building in support of Borisov and his government during the debates.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21531810|title=Bulgarian PM Boiko Borisov's resignation accepted|publisher=BBC|date=21 February 2013|access-date=26 February 2013}} Information surfaced in the media that the rally was staged, although GERB's press centre denied the allegations.{{cite web|url=http://www.dnevnik.bg/bulgaria/2013/02/23/2008823_gerb_ne_organiziral_protesti_v_podkrepa_na_kabineta/|title=ГЕРБ не организирал "протести в подкрепа" на кабинета (допълнена)|date=23 February 2013|access-date=26 February 2013}} Borisov expressed gratitude to his sympathizers, but also requested them to discontinue further demonstrations, so that social harmony is not compromised.{{cite news |url=http://vestnikstroitel.bg/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Stroitel-5-08-s.pdf|title=Кабинетът в оставка, идват избори. Да запазим гражданския мир, призова Борисов|access-date=2014-05-12 |date=22 February 2013 |language=Bulgarian |author=Kartuleva, Nevena|publisher=vestnikstroitel.bg}}

According to analysis conducted by the information agency BGNES, Borisov is the first Bulgarian prime minister (since Zhan Videnov in 1997) to step down due to hunger fuelled discontent and protests related to the general state of the economy.{{cite news |url=http://news.bgnes.com/view/1071958 |title=ГЕРБ смаза всичко |access-date=2014-03-25 |date=12 March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=news.bgnes.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213193409/http://news.bgnes.com/view/1071958 |archive-date=13 December 2013 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite news |url=http://e-vestnik.bg/17158/zashto-nyama-otsenki-za-pravitelstvoto-na-borisov-v-mediite-zasega-samo-bgnes-napravi-opit/ |title=Защо няма оценки за правителството на Борисов в медиите? Засега само БГНЕС се осмели… |access-date=2014-03-25 |date=19 March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=E-vestnik.bg}}

The assessments of political scientists and sociologists regarding Borisov's choice to relinquish power have been mixed. Evgeniy Daynov was critical, maintaining that the timing and the way in which Borisov went about his decision were ill-chosen, creating the impression of a weak and indecisive leader in addition to allowing him to refrain from addressing potentially valid demands.{{sfn|Daynov|2017|p=300}} Others such as Kantcho Stoychev characterized it as the only correct and wise move given the difficult circumstances and were optimistic regarding Borisov's chances to retain his influence in politics and continue to work for the betterment of the country. Boriana Dimitrova and other analysts emphasized that Borisov's resignation was reflective of a good intuitive reading of the situation{{cite news |url=http://www.kultura.bg/bg/article/view/21163|title=Континуитет на протестите|access-date=2015-11-28 |date=5 July 2013|language=Bulgarian |author=Lozanov, Georgi|publisher=kultura.bg}} and caught analysts, political parties and even the protesters themselves by surprise,{{sfn|Kanev|Todorov|2014|p=473}} with the forces in opposition suffering from their own legitimacy issues which would make them ill-equipped to provide quick solutions to the systemic crisis.{{cite web|url=http://www.vesti.bg/bulgaria/politika/sociolozi-i-politolozi-za-ostavkata-na-borisov-5542891?page=2#commentsContainer|title=Социолози и политолози за оставката на Борисов|publisher=Vesti bg|date=20 February 2013|access-date=27 March 2014}} In Nikolov's contention, the stepping down of Borisov essentially turned the social crisis into a political one.{{sfn|Nikolov|2015|p=53}} Klisarov has ascribed more cynical motives to Borisov's quick resignation, viewing it largely as a matter of preserving GERB's power base and the particized status quo.{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|pp=16-17}}

Throughout the crisis Borisov retained the support of the European People's Party and he was endorsed by them for the 2013 parliamentary elections.{{cite web|url=http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n303530|title=We support CEDB, Boyko Borisov and Bulgaria: EPP Secretary-General|publisher=Focus News Agency|date=6 April 2013|access-date=28 March 2014|archive-date=9 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209091755/http://www.focus-news.net/news/0000/00/00/303530/}}{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|pp=58-59}}

Initiative committees by citizens form around the country. On 23 February coordinators of demonstrations gathered in Sliven to discuss further actions after the resignation of the government. Several members of different political parties who were present at the gathering were expelled. Demands for a change of the political system, a ban on all political parties in power, abolishment of value added tax on electricity production and state ownership of natural resources and strategic sectors were added to the original calls for nationalisation of the power companies.{{cite web|url=http://dnes.dir.bg/news/sliven-ostavkata-boyko-borisov-13181266?nt=4|title=Представители на протестиращите от цялата страна се събраха в Сливен|publisher=Dir.bg|date=23 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}} TIM, a semi-legal company{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}},{{cite news |url=http://www.barometar.net/35453/ |title=Как арестуваха Тихомир, Иво и Марин (ТИМ) за кражба на БМВ през 1994 г.|access-date=2014-04-14 |date=14 May 2011 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=barometar.net}} was reported to have organised a crackdown on an initiative committee gathering in Varna.{{cite web|url=http://focus-news.net/?id=n1752870|title=Протестът в София утре ще тръгне в два лъча, които ще се съберат пред парламента, според координаторите|publisher=Focus News|date=23 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}} Protesters holding banners against TIM are alleged to have been beaten, with the police choosing not to intervene.{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|p=43}} The "Rakovski Legion", an organisation of military officers and supporters of the Bulgarian Army, have joined the protests.{{cite web|url=http://www.vesti.bg/index.phtml?tid=40&oid=5551831|title=Военни на протест "За България, за Българската армия"|publisher=Vesti|date=23 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}}

International demonstrations occurred 24 February in all major Bulgarian cities, as well as in Vienna, Munich, Paris, London, Barcelona, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Athens, Berlin, Madrid, Dublin and many other major cities all over the world, where the Bulgarian diaspora gathered in front of the Bulgarian embassies and consulates.{{cite web|url=http://www.24chasa.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1795201|title=Протест в цяла България, подкрепят ни от чужбина|publisher=24 Часа|date=23 February 2013|access-date=28 February 2013}} IMRO leaders organized a march in the capital on that day and joined the demonstrations. President Rosen Plevneliev met with some of the protesters in Sofia and was presented with a list of demands.{{cite news |url=http://fakti.bg/bulgaria/60146-vmro-bez-politici-v-slujebnoto-pravitelstvo|title=ВМРО: без политици в служебното правителство|access-date=2014-03-24 |date=24 February 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=fakti.bg}}{{cite news |url=http://www.cross.bg/1350226 |title=ВМРО: на бунт срещу високите сметки|access-date=2014-03-24 |date=24 February 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=cross.bg}} Non-mainstream nationalist organizations such as the Bulgarian National Front (Bulgarian: Български Национален Фронт) and Bulgarian National Union (Bulgarian: Български национален съюз) have also been supportive of the demonstrations, while sharply distancing themselves from what they view as anti-patriotic entities such as the Open Institute and the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee.{{cite news |url=http://www.bnfront.com/borba207.pdf|title=Декларация срещу опитите за узурпиране на протестите от страна на антибългарски организации|access-date=2014-05-12 |date=May 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=bnfront.com}} The protest wave subsequently continued, albeit with a lower intensity.

Gatherings of citizen committees were scheduled to move to Plovdiv in response to Interior Minister in resignation Tsvetan Tsvetanov's accusations that protest leaders belong to organised crime and drug smuggling circles.{{cite web|url=http://www.dnes.bg/obshtestvo/2013/03/07/protestirashti-ochakvat-da-im-podhvyrliat-narkotici.181964|title=Протестиращи очакват да им подхвърлят наркотици|publisher=Dnes.bg|date=7 March 2013|access-date=7 March 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.segabg.com/article.php?id=639563|title=Цветанов: 49% от протестиращите са от кримиконтингента|date=6 March 2013|access-date=7 March 2013}} Yanko Petrov, a protest coordinator, explained in an interview that members of the committees expect to be framed for drug distribution by the authorities. Borisov has been critical of the role played by BSP and MRF during the protests, believing them to have made use of the discontent among the poor in order to topple his government. He has also expressed disappointment with some of the media, who had allegedly been overly praiseworthy of him (in order to be able to discredit him with the European Union by creating the false impression that they were under his control) before changing their tune.{{cite news |url=http://www.mediapool.bg/borisov-bsp-i-dps-ni-svaliha-s-metezh-te-da-si-pravyat-sega-kabinet-news203309.html|title=Борисов: БСП и ДПС ни свалиха с метеж, те да си правят сега кабинет|access-date=2014-03-25 |date=25 February 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=mediapool.bg}} Borisov also revealed that the protests against his government may have been a factor in the postponement of Bulgaria's entry into the Schengen Area.{{cite news |url=http://pressadaily.bg/publication/11028-%D0%91%D0%BE%D0%B9%D0%BA%D0%BE-%D0%91%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B2:-%D0%90%D0%BA%D0%BE-%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D0%B1%D1%8F%D1%85%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5-%D0%BD%D0%B0-14-%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%82-%D0%B2%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%85%D0%BC%D0%B5-%D0%B2-%D0%A8%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%BD/|title=Бойко Борисов: aко не бяха протестите на 14 март, влизахме в Шенген|access-date=2014-04-03 |date=9 March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=Pressa Daily}}

In late February 2013, doctors and medical personnel also voiced dissatisfaction, demanding an urgent meeting with Rosen Plevneliev, due to the limits on their freedom to practice their occupation and see patients that had been imposed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).{{cite news |url=http://www.mediapool.bg/buntat-v-zdraveopazvaneto-se-razrastva-podgotvya-se-protest-news203215.html|title=Бунтът в здравеопазването се разраства, подготвя се протест, болници от цялата страна недоволстват срещу лимитите си, здравният министър се застъпи за тях|access-date=2014-05-11 |date=22 February 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=mediapool.bg}}

In March 2013, Sergei Stanishev accused the Borisov government of monitoring the e-mail accounts and text messages of the protest leaders.{{cite news |url=https://photos.state.gov/libraries/bulgaria/231771/PDFs/hr_2013.pdf|title=Доклад за човешките права в България - 2013-та (p. 8)|access-date=2014-04-14 |date=December 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (at the United States Department of State) report (translated in Bulgarian)}}

On 4 March, a protest tent city was erected in front of the National Parliament by some of the Eagles' Bridge protesters.{{cite news |url=http://www.dnes.bg/obshtestvo/2013/03/04/protestirashti-na-kymping-pred-parlamenta.181709 |title=Протестиращи на къмпинг пред парламента |access-date=2014-04-07 |date=4 March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=dnes.bg}}

The early elections did not bring about political stability{{cite news |url=http://riskmanagementlab.com/bg/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/news/tekushch_obzor_na_makroramkata_i_bjudzheta.pdf |title=Текущ обзор на макрорамката и бюджета (pp. 3-4) |access-date=2014-04-14 |date=March 2014 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=riskmanagementlab.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416052804/http://riskmanagementlab.com/bg/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/news/tekushch_obzor_na_makroramkata_i_bjudzheta.pdf |archive-date=16 April 2014 |df=dmy-all }}{{sfn|Daynov|2017|pp=306-307}} or increased trust in the political institutions of the country.{{cite news |url=http://www.dnevnik.bg/analizi/2013/12/25/2201831_vladimir_levchev_butafornata_fasada_padna_i_lusna/|title=Владимир Левчев: бутафорната фасада падна и лъсна симбиозата политика - олигархия|access-date=2015-11-28 |date=25 December 2013|language=Bulgarian |publisher=dnevnik.bg}} By the end of July 2013, anti-government protesters but this time against the new government of Plamen Oresharski were still out in force, protesting peacefully in Sofia, with Reuters recording the 24 July 2013 as the 41st straight day of peaceful protests. The protesters were demanding the resignation of the Socialist-led government of Oresharski and more than 100 lawmakers, ministers and journalists spent the night besieged inside parliament before police evacuated them.{{cite web| title= Bulgarians stage new protest rally after siege of parliament | author= Tsvetelina Tsolova and Angel Krasimirov| publisher=Reuters| url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bulgaria-protests-blockade-idUSBRE96N15020130724?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews| date=24 July 2013}} Boyko Borisov returned to power as Prime Minister in November 2014 after his party won the 2014 Bulgarian parliamentary election, forming a coalition government.{{cite web|title=Bulgarian MPs Approve New Cabinet, Ministers Sworn In|url=http://www.novinite.com/articles/164611/Bulgarian+MPs+Approve+New+Cabinet%2C+Ministers+Sworn+In|website=Novinite.com|publisher=Sofia News Agency|date=7 November 2014|access-date=1 December 2015}}

While the anti-monopoly and anti-austerity protests enjoyed a high degree of popular support (with over 90% of Bulgarian citizens expressing approval of them in a Gallup poll prior to Borisov's resignation{{cite news |url=http://btvnews.bg/article/bulgaria/92-ot-uchastvalite-v-sotsiologichesko-prouchvane-podkrepyat-protestite.html|title= 92% от участвалите в социологическо проучване подкрепят протестите|access-date=2013-11-12 |date=2013-02-20|language= Bulgarian |publisher=btvnews.bg}} and 77% lauding them in a summer 2013 poll administered by the same company),{{sfn|Галъп|2013|p=324}} there was less of a consensus regarding the exact culpability of the Borisov cabinet, with 47% demanding that Boyko Borisov stepped down and 39% believing that he did not need to tender his resignation. Alpha Research provided figures suggesting an even greater parity in viewpoints, with 50% approving of Borisov's resignation and 47% disagreeing with the Prime Minister's decision.{{cite news |url=http://pressadaily.bg/publication/10358-%E2%80%9E%D0%90%D0%BB%D1%84%D0%B0-%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%8A%D1%80%D1%87%E2%80%9C:-50-%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%80%D1%8F%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%82-%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%91%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B2-47-%D0%BD%D0%B5|title= "Алфа рисърч": 50% одобряват оставката на Борисов, 47% - не, 2/3 биха гласували на предстоящите избори|access-date=2014-03-27 |date=2013-02-22 |publisher=pressdaily.bg}} As a result of this, public enthusiasm for continued demonstrations remained high (around 70%) in the aftermath of Borisov's announcement that he did not intend to stay on.{{cite news |url=http://inews.bg/%D0%91%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F/29-%D0%BE%D1%82-%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5-%D1%81%D0%BC%D1%8F%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%82-%D0%B4%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82-%D0%B2-%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%8F_l.a_c.327_i.264183.html|title= 29% от българите смятат да протестират в неделя; напрежението намалява след оставката на правителството, сочи изследване|access-date=2013-11-12 |date=2013-02-22 |publisher=inews.bg}}{{cite news|author=Екип на Дарик|url=http://dariknews.bg/view_article.php/media/2010/view_article_comments.php?article_id=1043926&order=asc&&start=10|title=Поддръжници и противници на Борисов рамо до рамо пред парламента|access-date=2014-10-19|date=20 February 2013|language=Bulgarian|publisher=dariknews.bg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019215402/http://dariknews.bg/view_article.php/media/2010/view_article_comments.php?article_id=1043926&order=asc&&start=10|archive-date=19 October 2014|df=dmy-all}} Alpha Research (in its regular survey administered in the period between 22 March and 27 March), confirmed that over 90% of Bulgarians declare support for economically-oriented demands (though only about 20% would be inclined to back up manifestly political ones). Accordingly, a higher proportion of respondents - 67% - credited the protests for bringing about economic changes (like the reduction in electricity prices), with the number of those well-disposed towards the political transformations as a result of the demonstrations (such as the preliminary elections) a lower one - 47%.{{cite news |url=http://alpharesearch.bg/userfiles/file/Public_opinion_AR_MART_2013.pdf|title=Обществени нагласи март 2013 (p. 6)|access-date=2014-02-25 |date=March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=alpharesearch.bg}} 55% expressed full approval for the "voice of the street", while 38% were partially supportive of street protests.{{cite news |url=http://alpharesearch.bg/userfiles/file/Public_opinion_AR_MART_2013.pdf|title=Обществени нагласи март 2013 (p. 4)|access-date=2014-02-25 |date=March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=alpharesearch.bg}} 14% of Bulgarian citizens affirmed that they would cast their vote for a "protest party".{{cite news |url=http://alpharesearch.bg/userfiles/file/Public_opinion_AR_MART_2013.pdf|title=Обществени нагласи март 2013 (p. 7)|access-date=2014-02-25 |date=March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=alpharesearch.bg}}

Surveys generally indicated a higher support for the anti-monopoly protests among younger people in the smaller cities, as opposed to those in Sofia or Plovdiv.{{cite news |url=http://dnes.dir.bg/news/antimonopolnite-protesti-13077788|title= Подкрепата за протестите срещу монополите е по-висока извън София|access-date=2013-12-03 |date=2013-02-12 |publisher=dnes.dir.bg}}{{cite news |url=http://pressadaily.bg/publication/31026-%D0%9E%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82/|title=Годината на гнева, особености на българския протест - събуди ли се гражданското общество, или бунтът бе дискредитиран като идея?|access-date=2014-04-03 |date=21 December 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=Pressa Daily}} Varna constituted the major exception, with the protests labeled by Anna Krasteva as the Varna Spring.{{sfn|Kanev|Todorov|2014|p=472}}

Young people{{cite news |url=http://www.fes.bg/files/custom/library/2014/Berichte_und_Analysen/Mladite_24_godini_sled.pdf|title=Младите – 24 години след…": изследване и анализ на обществено-политическите ценности на младите хора в България през 2013 година (p. 8)|access-date=2014-04-14 |date=January 2014 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=Friedrich Ebert Stiftung}}{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|pp=10-11}} as well as the age cohorts between 30-44 and 45-59 constituted a substantial percentage of those who took part in the protest marches. Elderly people were much more visible in the ranks of the protesters in comparison to previous demonstrations for environmental causes.{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|pp=10-11}} People with primary or no education were almost absent during the protest activities. Self-identified BSP and MRF sympathizers did not have a significant presence at the demonstrations, with 3.5% and 3.3% respectively declaring to have participated in them. 7.45% of self-described GERB supporters were at some point in the streets during the protest activities (presumably only in the initial anti-monopoly phase of the demonstrations).{{cite news|url=http://politiki.bg/?cy=273&lang=1&a0i=224050&a0m=readInternal&a0p_id=1061|title=Протестите от юни и юли 2013: общественото мнение|access-date=2014-02-25|date=August 2013|language=Bulgarian|publisher=politiki.bg/Институт "Отворено Общество" София|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228025702/http://politiki.bg/?cy=273&lang=1&a0i=224050&a0m=readInternal&a0p_id=1061|archive-date=28 February 2014|df=dmy-all}} Members of the nationalist Attack had an active involvement in the demonstrations.{{cite news |url=http://www.mediapool.bg/bsp-dps-i-ataka-poiskaha-ostavka-na-pravitelstvoto-i-predsrochni-izbori-news203008.html|title=Веднага след протестите БСП, ДПС и "Атака" поискаха оставка на правителството и предсрочни избори|access-date=2014-05-11 |date=17 February 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=mediapool.bg}}{{cite news|last=Naydenova|first=Polina| url=http://www.vestnikataka.bg/2013/12/%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B7-2013-%D0%B3-3/|title=Атака през 2013 г.|access-date=2014-04-03 |date=20 December 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=Attack party official newspaper}}

Even though the February crisis has been described as "an element in the political strategy of BSP",{{cite news |url=http://www.dartsnews.bg/News/42425 |title=Бунтът режисиран от лаптопи до Радомир, младеж издал заверата след купон с лидера Станишев |access-date=2014-03-25 |date=3 March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=Darts news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110031652/http://dartsnews.bg/News/42425 |archive-date=10 November 2013 |df=dmy-all }} in the immediate aftermath of the protests, electoral support for GERB actually went up (in part due to increased consolidation within the party and mobilization of its voters), with the most recent party in governance increasing its lead over BSP in comparison to the standings in January.{{cite news|url=http://www.bgmak.eu/2013/04/%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F/%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0/%D0%B1%D1%81%D0%BF-%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D0%B3%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B1-%D1%82%D0%B2%D1%8A%D1%80%D0%B4%D1%8F%D1%82-%D1%81%D0%BE%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B8-%D0%B5%D0%B4/1336/|title=БСП догонва ГЕРБ, твърдят социолози. Едва 42% от избирателите обаче ще отидат да гласуват|access-date=2015-11-28|date=1 April 2013|language=Bulgarian|publisher=bgmak.eu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208164106/http://www.bgmak.eu/2013/04/%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F/%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0/%D0%B1%D1%81%D0%BF-%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D0%B3%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B1-%D1%82%D0%B2%D1%8A%D1%80%D0%B4%D1%8F%D1%82-%D1%81%D0%BE%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%B8-%D0%B5%D0%B4/1336/|archive-date=8 December 2015}} The Attack benefited the most as a result of the accumulated protest potential, raising its electoral appeal from 1.9% to 5.5%.{{cite news |url=http://alpharesearch.bg/userfiles/file/Public_opinion_AR_MART_2013.pdf|title=Обществени нагласи март 2013 (p. 5)|access-date=2014-02-25 |date=March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=alpharesearch.bg}}{{cite news |url=http://www.mediapool.bg/protestite-vdignaha-reitinga-na-ataka-i-drugite-natsionalisti-news204153.html|title=Галъп": протестите вдигнаха рейтинга на "Атака" и другите националисти, доверието към всички останали партии малко или много намалява|access-date=2014-05-11 |date=17 March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=mediapool.bg}}

The Prime Minister Boyko Borisov resigned in response to the protests.{{cite news|last=New York Times|first=The|title=After Bulgarian Protests, Prime Minister Resigns|work=The New York Times |date=20 February 2013 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/21/world/europe/bulgarian-government-is-reported-set-to-resign.html?_r=0|access-date=20 February 2013}}

On 6 March 2013, mayor of Varna, Kiril Yordanov, also announced his resignation,{{cite news |url=http://www.dnevnik.bg/izbori2013/2013/03/06/2016546_kmetut_na_varna_kiril_iordanov_podade_ostavka_obnovena/|title=Кметът на Варна Кирил Йорданов подаде оставка (обновена с видео)|access-date=2014-03-25 |date=6 March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=dnevnik.bg}} triggered by the anti-government protest wave in general and the self-immolation of Plamen Goranov in particular. The government (while still formally in charge of the country) declared 6 March to be a day of national mourning.{{cite news|url=http://www.government.bg/cgi-bin/e-cms/vis/vis.pl?s=001&p=0212&n=2110&g=|title=Правителството в оставка обявява 6 март 2013 г. за ден на национален траур|access-date=2014-03-27|date=5 March 2013|language=Bulgarian|publisher=government.bg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425024103/http://www.government.bg/cgi-bin/e-cms/vis/vis.pl?s=001|archive-date=25 April 2014}}

President Rosen Plevneliev was tasked with giving a mandate to one of the major political parties to form a caretaker government. GERB, the Socialist Party and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms returned the mandate. Early elections became scheduled to take place on 12 May 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=148274|title=Bulgaria to Hold Early Elections on 12 May|publisher=Novinite|date=28 February 2013|access-date=28 February 2013}}{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|p=55}} The caretaker government under Marin Raykov assumed power on 13 March,{{sfn|Lilov|2013|p=15}} on the same day in which the date for the early elections was set.{{cite news |url=http://dnes.dir.bg/news/marin-rikov-rosen-plevneliev-ostavkata-boyko-borisov-sluzhebno-pravitelstvo-13343498?nt=4|title=Президентът назначи служебното правителство и насрочи изборите|access-date=12 July 2014 |date=13 March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=dir.bg}} It attracted criticism from the Attack party, which questioned its impartiality, regarding it as an instrument of GERB that could help hide any evidence of the former governing party's alleged abuses of power. Businessman and direct democracy proponent Petar Klisarov labeled the Raykov government as "GERB's "B" team".{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|p=21}}

In March 2013, Rosen Plevneliev approached protest organizers to form a public advisory body that would operate together with the caretaker government, but there was a breakdown in the talks.{{cite news |url=http://btvnews.bg/bulgaria/politika/konsultatsii-pri-plevneliev-za-badeshtoto-sluzhebno-pravitelstvo.html|title=Организатори на протестите напуснаха Обществения съвет при президента|access-date=2014-02-26 |date=1 March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=btvnews.bg}} Plevneliev and the main political parties have been blamed by some sources for allegedly only feigning interest in the protesters' concerns and not acting to change the electoral rules prior to the Parliament's dissolution.{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|p=17}}

On 16 March, a number of the protesters established the political movement "Liberation" (Bulgarian: политическо движение "Освобождение") with the intention of taking part in the upcoming elections.{{cite news |url=http://dariknews.bg/view_article.php?article_id=1055908 |title=Част от протестиращите основаха политическо движение "Освобождение|access-date=2014-03-24 |date=16 March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=dariknews.bg}}

In the Parliamentary election in May, all major parties, especially the ruling GERB, received a severe blow (despite obtaining the highest number of popular votes and seats in the National Assembly), with the notable exception of the Socialist Party, which got a major boost in both votes and seats. Due to GERB's political isolation and what Borisov characterized as "his unwillingness to take part in unprincipled coalitions", the party did not attempt to form a government by subjecting its chosen cabinet to a vote in the National Assembly and the president passed on the baton to BSP.{{cite news |url=http://www.dnevnik.bg/video/2013/05/23/2067002_borisov_vurna_mandata_za_sustaviane_na_kabinet/|title=Борисов върна мандата за съставяне на кабинет (допълнена и видео)|access-date=2014-03-24 |date=23 May 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=dnevnik.bg}} The citizen energy generated as a result of the February protests did not lead to a high voter turnout{{sfn|Galabov|2013|p=399}} and the election campaign is evaluated as having remained largely insulated from the protests, with no political movement incorporating a significant number of protester demands emerging as an electoral challenger.{{sfn|Popov|2013|p=459}}

Leading figures of the party Bulgaria Without Censorship (Bulgarian: "България без цензура"), which was officially established on 25 January 2014,{{cite news |url=http://www.vesti.bg/bulgaria/politika/nikolaj-barekov-iska-da-upravliava-dva-mandata-6003808 |title=Николай Бареков учреди партия и иска да управлява два мандата |access-date=2014-03-28 |date=25 January 2014 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=vesti.bg}} have made statements suggesting that the majority of the February protesters eventually flocked to them.{{cite news |url=http://www.bnews.bg/article-97897|title=80% от хората от февруарските протести са в "България без цензура |access-date=2014-03-25 |date=8 February 2014 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=bnews.bg}} Angel Slavchev, dubbed as one of the "faces of the February demonstrations", started his own show on the News7 channel, which was regarded as closely affiliated with Barekov's party.{{cite news |url=http://www.mediapool.bg/zvezda-ot-fevruarskite-protesti-i-plamen-yurukov-sas-svoi-predavaniya-po-news7-news210872.html|title=Звезда от февруарските протести и Пламен Юруков със свои предавания по News7 |access-date=2014-05-11 |date=5 September 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=mediapool.bg}} Slavchev also took part in the 2014 European elections on the ticket of Barekov's party,{{cite news |url=http://results.cik.bg/ep2014/rezultati/|title=Резултати от избори за Европейски парламент 25.05.2014 г. за страната |access-date=2014-06-02 |date=25 May 2014 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=CIK bg}} though he is no longer affiliated with BWS after criticizing the party leader and being expelled in July 2014.{{cite news |url=http://novanews.bg/news/view/2014/07/20/80893/%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%B7-%D1%86%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B7%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B0-%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%BA%D0%BB%D1%8E%D1%87%D0%B8-%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%BB-%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%B2/|title=България без цензура" изключи Ангел Славчев. Николай Бареков ще го съди |access-date=2015-02-25 |date=20 July 2014 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=Nova}}

On the day before its resignation, the government announced that it would revoke ČEZ's licence.[http://www.dnevnik.bg/video/2013/02/19/2005850_prokuraturata_predlaga_da_se_otneme_licenzut_na_chez/ Prosecutor's office suggests that CEZ's licence be revoked], Dnevnik, 19 Feb 2013. Retrieved Oct 2013. Following the statement, the Bulgarian Stock Exchange suspended trading in the shares of ČEZ and its subordinate companies.{{cite web|url=http://sofiaglobe.com/2013/02/19/bulgarian-stock-exchange-suspends-trading-in-cez-companies-shares/|title=Bulgarian Stock Exchange suspends trading in CEZ companies' shares|publisher=The Sofia Globe|date=19 February 2013|access-date=12 March 2013}} The company's shares declined for several consecutive days on the Prague Stock Exchange.{{cite web|url=http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=147949|title=Czech Power Utilities Stocks Drop after Bulgarian Protests|publisher=Novinite|date=18 February 2013|access-date=12 March 2013}} In early March 2013, mayor Rositsa Yanakieva revealed that 288 separate lawsuits against ČEZ (pertaining to disputes surrounding the ownership of power substations) had been filed by the Pernik municipality.{{cite news |url=http://www.dnes.bg/stranata/2013/03/04/obshtina-pernik-vodi-288-dela-sreshtu-chez.181735|title=Община Перник води 288 дела срещу ЧЕЗ, претенциите са за 14 млн. лева |access-date=2014-04-14 |date=4 March 2014 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=dnes.bg}}

Two weeks after the government announced its resignation (but before it had taken effect), the Electricity Systems Operator announced that the total energy production in the country was estimated at well below 50% of the full capacity, with the country's second-largest power station, the Varna TPP, having been completely shut down. This was surprising for people who had been paying high bills.[http://m.btvnews.bg/bulgaria/spirat-moshtnosti-v-trite-tets-zmaritsa-iztok.html ESO shutting down blocks at all three stations at Maritza East], BTV News, 3 March 2013. Retrieved Oct 2013.[http://www.segabg.com/article.php?id=639277 The energy system turns out to be on the verge of collapse], Sega, 4 Mar 2013. Retrieved Oct 2013.

A week later, the energy minister Delyan Dobrev revealed that energy contracts signed by previous governments in 2002 and 2005 contained secret clauses about the construction and exploitation of the Maritza East 1 and Maritza East 3 power stations, totalling over 13 billion BGN (nearly 7 billion euro). Dobrev said that, according to the clauses, the American companies AES and ContourGlobal, which own the power stations, would receive a guaranteed minimum monthly sum of money from customers, whether they were using electricity or not.[http://www.segabg.com/article.php?id=640195 Delyan Dobrev keeps "finding" shocking energy contracts], Sega, 11 Mar 2013. (The "keeps" refers to a secret nuclear energy contract with RWE that Borisov had allegedly found "lying around" in a cardboard box – [http://www.bnews.bg/article-67992 bnews, 21 Jan 2013].) Retrieved Oct 2013.[http://btvnews.bg/video/video/news/delyan-dobrev-predade-na-glavniyat-prokuror-sotir-tsatsarov-dogovori.html Dobrev passes contracts on to the Prosecutor General (video)], bTV, 11 Mar 2013. Retrieved Oct 2013.[http://www.manager.bg/news/delyan-dobrev-dava-na-glavniya-prokuror-dogovorite-za-tets-maritsa-iztok-1-i-3 Dobrev gives contracts to prosecutor's office] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313175439/http://www.manager.bg/news/delyan-dobrev-dava-na-glavniya-prokuror-dogovorite-za-tets-maritsa-iztok-1-i-3 |date=13 March 2013 }}, Manager.bg, 11 Mar 2013. Retrieved Oct 2013.[http://www.trud.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1898700 Bulgaria paid the energy companies even when not producing electricity] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603074209/http://www.trud.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1898700 |date=3 June 2013 }}, Trud, 5 April 2013. Retrieved Oct 2013. On 14 November 2013, the Commission for Energy and Water Regulation (Bulgarian: Комисия за енергийно и водно регулиране) discontinued the procedure of revoking the license of ČEZ Electro Bulgaria.{{cite news|title=България през 2013 година: Февруарските протести|url=http://society.actualno.com/bylgarija-prez-2013-godina-fevruarskite-protesti-news_9921.html|author=Achev, Ivaylo|publisher=society.actualno.com|date=23 December 2013|access-date=1 December 2015}}

Many of the problems in the energy sector that triggered the protests remain unsolved as of September 2014. National Electric Company continues to accumulate deficits, demanding further rises in the consumer prices of electricity. A large part of the NEC deficit comes from the long-term contracts of renewable energy producers and AES Maritza East 1.{{cite news|title=Щонов очерта мерки за справяне с дефицита в НЕК|url=http://www.vesti.bg/pari/biznes/shtonov-ocherta-merki-za-spraviane-s-deficita-v-nek-6023343|publisher=vesti.bg|date=26 September 2014}}

The wave of government change from Bulgaria went as far as Slovenia, where the government was forced to resign as a result of similar protests by the Slovenian people affected by the Slovenian government austerity measures.

At the end of February demonstrations against high electricity prices occurred in Estonia, following the Bulgarian example.{{cite web|url=http://www.mediapool.bg/%D0%B8-%D0%B2-%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82-%D1%81%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%89%D1%83-%D1%81%D0%BA%D1%8A%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BA-news203308.html|title=И в Естония протестират срещу скъпия ток|publisher=Mediapool|date=24 February 2013|access-date=5 March 2013}}

The demonstrations have been characterized as an authentic expression of the desperation of the less affluent Bulgarians, to a large extent motivated by feelings of absolute and relative deprivation{{sfn|Dareva|2013|p=169}}{{cite news |url=http://www.knsb-bg.org/pdf/memorandum2013.pdf|title=М Е М О Р А Н Д У М за социално-икономическото и обществено-политическото развитие на България (2013 - 2017 г.) (pp.17-18)|access-date=2014-05-12 |date=March 2013|language=Bulgarian |publisher=Confederation of Independent Syndicates}} and as being dominated by socially oriented demands, associated with the traditional left.{{sfn|Prodanov|2013|p=231}} While some analysts have labeled them a "revolt of the poor", others have regarded the people from the middle class social stratum (specifically the now defunct citizen movement "Power" (Bulgarian: гражданско движение СИЛА), members of which had organized demonstrations in Sandanski and Blagoevgrad,{{cite news|title=Махалото на масовия протест. Зимата на 2013 г. (The Pendulum of the Mass Protest. The Winter of 2013) (p. 57)|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316659047|author=Dinev, Ivaylo|publisher=Bulgarian Ethnology, Issue 1, pp. 51-70 |date=2016|access-date=5 January 2018}} as the driving force behind the early unrest.{{cite news |url=http://www.mediapool.bg/barekov-vmro-i-sila-organizirat-rimeik-na-fevruarskite-protesti-news212527.html|title=Бареков, ВМРО и СИЛА организират римейк на февруарските протести|access-date=2014-05-12 |date=20 October 2013|language=Bulgarian |publisher=mediapool.bg}} Politician Edvin Sugarev has criticized a number of media sources, especially Bivol, for publishing unproven information about Borisov's alleged links with the Ministry of the Interior's CSBOP (Bulgarian: ЦСБОП), where the Prime Minister is purported to have worked as an informer (his file was supposedly called the "Buda dossier"),{{cite news |url=https://bivol.bg/buddah1.html|title=Досието "Буда"|access-date=2015-12-08 |date=February 2013|language=Bulgarian |publisher=bivol.bg}} which he sees as having played a pivotal role in the radicalization of the protest by turning the anger away from the monopolism of energy companies and against Borisov. He compared the situation to the atmosphere in January 1997 (but this time with BSP reaping dividends from it),{{sfn|Sugarev|2013a|pp=122-124}} an opinion shared by Evgeniy Daynov who also drew parallels with the 1990 protests in terms of the volatility of the situation.{{sfn|Daynov|2013|p=240}} According to the French ambassador to Bulgaria, Philippe Autié, the protests stemmed from a lack of sufficient trust in the political class and Bulgarian elites as in general as well as the ability of "private and non-transparent stakeholders" to frequently hijack and negatively affect the post-1989 transition processes.{{cite news |url=http://fakti.bg/bulgaria/61715-frenskiat-poslanik-prichina-za-protestite-e-deficitat-na-doverie|title=Френският посланик: причина за протестите е дефицитът на доверие|access-date=2014-03-24 |date=16 March 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=fakti.bg}} Political scientist Vasil Garnizov similarly regards the protests as reflective of the widespread societal sentiment that there is something wrong when it comes to the political and economic structuring of society (as well as the links between the political and economic spheres) - this attitude is thought to have been pervasive since the early 1990s.{{sfn|Garnizov|2013|p=137}} The need for increased citizen control over political decision-making has also been identified as a key (but sometimes forgotten) demand of the protest movement.{{sfn|Kabakchieva|2013|p=444}} Parvan Simeonov sees the fall-out from the February protests as in indication that the second Bulgarian party system after 1989 (the charismatic one that followed the bipolar model of the 1990s), which began with Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and continued with Borisov, has now come to an end.{{sfn|Simeonov|2013|p=426}} In the view of political anthropologist and journalist Dostena Lavern, the February demonstrations were an indication that "Bulgaria is fully on track to reach an equalization of its social and political realities with those of the other EU countries", with the protest motivations linked to EU-wide negative trends such as the threat posed by financial neoliberalism to the democratic fundamentals of countries (in both Eastern and Western Europe).{{cite news|url=http://news.bgnes.com/view/1098454|title=Достена Лаверн: карат ни да тъпчем на едно място|access-date=2014-05-12|date=11 July 2013|language=Bulgarian|publisher=news.bgnes.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513023254/http://news.bgnes.com/view/1098454|archive-date=13 May 2014|df=dmy-all}} Economist Georgi Angelov from the Sofia Open Society Institute, commenting on the situation one day prior to Borisov's resignation, explained that the country's stability on the global financial markets and bankruptcy indicators have not been seriously affected due to the protests.{{cite news |url=http://www.manager.bg/%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F/%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%B8-%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2-%D0%BD%D1%8F%D0%BC%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%BA%D1%8A%D0%BC-%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%B6%D0%B4%D1%83%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8-%D0%B2-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5|title=Георги Ангелов: няма негативна реакция към България на международните пазари в последните дни|access-date=2014-03-25 |date=19 February 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=manager.bg}}

In addition to the lack of unity issues among the protest leaders (believed to have played a part in discrediting them with citizens),{{cite news |url=http://www.dnevnik.bg/bulgaria/2013/02/19/2005965_protestirashti_pelovska_predade_protesta_ne_sme_i/|title=Протестиращи: Пеловска предаде протеста, не сме и давали права да преговаря с премиера|access-date=2014-12-14 |date=19 February 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=Dnevnik.bg}}{{cite news |url=http://www.bfu.bg/upload/PRaktiki/PRaktiki_Newsletter_26_06_2013.pdf|title=Размисли върху комуникациите на протеста (p. 6)|access-date=2014-04-14 |date=26 June 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=PRактики, информационно издание на БДВО}} in part exemplified by the split between the "green" and the "other" protesters,{{sfn|Daynov|2013|p=240}} as well as their limited familiarity with politics,{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|pp=35-36}} some commentators have criticized the supposed prominence in the media of leftist spokespeople for the demonstrators{{cite news|url=http://pdf.cloud.livemedia.bg/2013/12/18/livenews_article_52098.pdf|title=Участници във февруарските протести: хората ще излязат отново, БСП ги излъга (ВИДЕО)|access-date=2014-05-11|date=18 December 2013|language=Bulgarian|publisher=LiveNews|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512222909/http://pdf.cloud.livemedia.bg/2013/12/18/livenews_article_52098.pdf|archive-date=12 May 2014|df=dmy-all}} and the demand for the creation of a system without political parties, viewing it as unrealistic and non-constructive as well as likely to encourage the promotion of non-democratic ideas,{{sfn|Boyadzhiev|2013|p=129}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fes.bg/files/custom/library/2013/Berichte%20und%20Analysen/Novite_politicheski_aktivnosti_vs_starite_sistemi_na_partiite.pdf|title=Движенията не могат да изместят партиите (p.13)|author =Todorov, Antoniy|publisher=fes.bg|date=6 March 2013|access-date=12 May 2014}} akin to the councils that had been implemented in the Soviet Union.{{sfn|Daynov|2017|pp=297-299}} According to Daniel Smilov and Toni Nikolov, in the aftermath of Borisov's resignation, a political power vacuum and an escalation of anti-party sentiments persisted for a short while, with party leaders largely removing themselves from the public sphere.{{sfn|Nikolov|2015|p=55}} In that moment in time the think tanks, non-governmental organizations and their networks are gauged to have been the only actors willing to speak up in defense of the constitutional system of governance and party democracy.{{cite news|title=Тинк танковете на кръстопът: променящи се парадигми и дилеми за политики в Южна и Източна Европа: опитът на България, Гърция, Полша, Словакия и Испания. Сравнителен доклад (p. 23)|url=http://www.cls-sofia.org/uploads/files/Doklad.pdf|author=Smilov, Daniel|publisher=Център за либерални стратегии |date=2015|access-date=1 December 2015}}

Former Bulgarian Prime Minister Ivan Kostov insists that both the February demonstrations and the subsequent anti-Oresharski ones remained relatively ineffective due to the lacking political leadership in their ranks.{{cite news |url=http://www.mediapool.bg/ivan-kostov-bez-politichesko-liderstvo-protestat-shte-ostane-stihien-i-e-obrechen-news214805.html|title=Иван Костов: без политическо лидерство протестът ще остане стихиен и е обречен, политическото оздравяване минава през изборите, но никой не знае предсрочните ще стабилизират ли страната|access-date=2014-05-11 |date=17 December 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=mediapool.bg}} Also, from a utilitarian standpoint, a very limited number of the protester demands are believed to have been achieved seven months after Borisov's resignation - 17 out of 20 issues raised by the protesters are thought not to have been tackled in full or in part by the relevant political actors.{{cite news |url=http://offnews.bg/news/%D0%90%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B8_289/7-%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%B5%D1%86%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D0%BE-%D0%BA%D1%8A%D1%81%D0%BD%D0%BE-%D0%9D%D0%B8%D1%89%D0%BE-%D0%BE%D1%82-%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F%D1%82%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%A4%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82-%D0%BE%D1%89%D0%B5-%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D0%B5-%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%BF%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BE_247741.html|title=7 месеца по-късно: нищо от исканията на Февруарския протест още не е изпълнено|access-date=2014-04-07 |date=7 October 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=offnews.bg}} Antoniy Galabov maintains that while the initial demonstrations were against high utility bills, with the implicit hope that Borisov could rectify the situation, the protests were subsequently taken over by new participants with a different profile, often driven by corporate interests.{{sfn|Galabov|2013|p=400}}{{cite news |url=http://www.mediapool.bg/v-nachaloto-sme-na-formiraneto-na-nov-partien-kartel-news207973.html|title=Политологът Антоний Гълъбов: в началото сме на формирането на нов партиен картел, "сигурността и енергетиката са двата сектора на руско влияние и точно те в момента се пренареждат|access-date=2014-05-11 |date=24 June 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=mediapool.bg}} The demonstrators' demands are believed to have become overly abstract, with the finger being pointed at the whole political system and the nature of the democratic transition;{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|p=29}} this is thought to have essentially forced all the mainstream parties to incorporate populism into their platforms in order to portray themselves as allies of the people on the streets.{{sfn|Nikolov|2015|pp=70-71}} Political scientist Deyan Kyuranov regards the initial preeminence of economic grievances as a particular strength of the protest, but believes that the protesters were ill-advised to attempt change the focal point in the direction of a political demonstration and thus caused the collapse of what started off as a promising popular movement.{{cite news |url=http://kultura.bg/web/%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%87%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D0%B2-%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%89%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%BE/|title=Деян Кюранов: скачане в нищото|access-date=2014-05-11 |date=19 June 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=kultura.bg}} A number of analysts have also subscribed to the viewpoint that the accusations levelled against GERB (for its supposed authoritarianism and violation of democratic norms) have been without sufficient merit and the party was not even close to creating a state within a state during Borisov's time in power.{{sfn|Yanakiev|2013|p=197}}{{sfn|Sugarev|2013|p=165}} According to a report generated by the "Media Democracy" foundation, the general coverage of the demonstrations by the major media outlets (even those previously considered to be favourable to the Borisov administration) was almost universally pro-protest,{{cite web | url=http://www.fmd.bg/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fmd-bulgarian-media-monitoring-2013-report.pdf|title=Хаштагът срещу медиите: политическият възход на социалните мрежи - български медиен мониторинг 2013 (p. 11) | publisher=Фондация "Медийна демокрация" в сътрудничество с фондация "Конрад Аденауер"| access-date=14 April 2014}} with the main media's nature of reporting turning markedly against the government on 17 February.{{cite news |url=http://www.share-pdf.com/f38245b877114484a6a2ac0984e32584/MediaMonitoring_BACA_25.02-04.03.2013.pdf|title=Медийно обслужване по български - много правителства бяха посрещани със сервилност, но това на Борисов беше посрещнато с демонстративен разпад на журналистическата професия (pp. 27-28)|author= Waxberg, Tatyana|access-date=2014-05-11 |date=26 February 2013 |language=Bulgarian |publisher=Deutsche Welle}} Despite the calls for greater accountability in politics during the course of the protests, leadership hierarchies and inner party consensus within BSP and GERB are believed to have become more entrenched in the months following the end of the demonstrations,{{cite news |url=http://www.dnes.bg/obshtestvo/2013/04/13/fevruarskata-revoliuciia-kapsulira-partiite.185405|title=Февруарската революция капсулира партиите|access-date=2014-03-25 |date=13 April 2013|language=Bulgarian |publisher=dnes.bg}} with the status quo parties never facing a serious challenge as a result of the demonstrations.{{sfn|Klisarov|2014|p=45}} The Internet is believed to have played an important role when it comes to many aspects of the protest movement,{{cite news|title=Трансформация на гражданските протести в Интернет (p. 146)|url=http://www.unwe.bg/uploads/Alternatives/10-br4-2015-8.pdf|author=Hadzhiev, Boyan|publisher=Икономически и социални алтернативи, University of National and World Economy|date=2015|access-date=1 December 2015}} and its effectiveness is believed to have been bolstered by the "media revolution" in Bulgaria, as evidenced by the increased prominence of online newspapers, on-site reporting by protest leaders as well as a tendency to treat platforms such as Facebook news as primary sources of information.{{sfn|Daynov|2013|p=246}}{{cite news |url=http://www.fmd.bg/?p=8644|title=Годината, в която информацията полудя: протести, избори, медии|access-date=31 December 2018 |date=4 February 2014 |language=Bulgarian |author=Spasov, Orlin|publisher=fmd.bg}}

A minority of anti-protest commentators have taken the stance that the demonstrations were orchestrated by pro-Russian circles in order to bring down the Borisov government (seen as unfavourable to Russian energy interests and Russian lobbies in Bulgaria as a whole) and from the very beginning had an explicitly political dimension. They note that the most intense protests largely subsided after Borisov's resignation even though the economic demands remained mostly unaddressed.{{cite news |url=http://www.actualno.com/columnist/article/id/566/author_id/29|title=Бяха ли миналогодишните февруарски протести метеж?|access-date=2014-03-27 |date=25 February 2014|language=Bulgarian |publisher=dnes.bg}}{{sfn|Kozhouharov|2014|pp=48-51}} The role of the Bulgarian Socialist Party in hijacking the protests has also been emphasized.{{sfn|Sugarev|2013|p=106}} Such pundits tend to characterize the February demonstrations as a coup attempt with the alleged heavy involvement of pro-communist activists,{{cite news |url=http://www.24chasa.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1790449|title=Емил Кошлуков: руското лоби финансира протестите, то загуби милиарди от "Белене|access-date=2014-05-12 |date=21 February 2013|language=Bulgarian |publisher=24chasa.bg}}{{cite news |url=http://kultura.bg/web/%D0%B1%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8-%D0%B8-%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B4-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5/|title=България: преди и след протестите|access-date=2014-03-28 |date=26 November 2013|language=Bulgarian |publisher=kultura.bg}} because of the Russophilic sentiments of some of the informal leaders of the protests.{{cite news |url=http://www.24chasa.bg/Article.asp?ArticleId=1812557|title=Ангел Че - фен на Мел Гибсън, Янко Петров - на ЦСКА|access-date=12 July 2014 |date=2 March 2013|language=Bulgarian |publisher=24chasa.bg}} In subsequent interviews, some of the leading figures behind the February demonstrations such as Yanko Petrov, Doncho Dudev and Yoanna Ivanova countered the allegations of a major shift in the direction of the protest in an anti-Borisov fashion by claiming that the largest protest аctivities actually occurred in the aftermath of Borisov's resignation (with the anti-monopoly sentiments remaining key) and emphasizing that the three of them were also active in demonstrating against Delyan Peevski's short-lived DANS appointment by the Oresharski government.{{cite news |url=http://frognews.bg/news_64953/Litsata_na_fevruarskiia_protest_Pravitelstvoto_se_strahuva_ot_reformi/|title=Лицата на февруарския протест: правителството се страхува от реформи|access-date=19 October 2014 |date=1 February 2014|language=Bulgarian |publisher=frognews.bg}}

• 2013–14 Bulgarian protests against the Oresharski cabinet
• 2013 Bulgarian nuclear power referendum
• 2013 Bulgarian self-immolations
• 2013 Bulgarian parliamentary election
• 2020–2021 Bulgarian protests
• List of protests in the 21st century

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|location=Sofia |publisher=Изток-Запад |isbn=978-619-152-291-0

|url=http://iztok-zapad.eu/books/book/1186}}

• {{Cite book |last=Dareva |first=Velislava|editor-first=Daniel |editor-last=Smilov |editor-first2=Lea |editor-last2=Vaysova |script-title=bg:Протестът. Анализи и позиции в българската преса. Лято 2013|publisher=Изток-Запад |date=24 June 2013 |pages=169–171 |script-chapter=bg:Бунтът на ситите|isbn=978-619-152-351-1}}
• {{Cite book |last=Galabov |first=Antoniy|editor-first=Daniel |editor-last=Smilov |editor-first2=Lea |editor-last2=Vaysova |script-title=bg:Протестът. Анализи и позиции в българската преса. Лято 2013|publisher=Изток-Запад |date=24 June 2013 |pages=398–400 |script-chapter=bg:Атака" говори на висок глас това, което БСП мисли|isbn=978-619-152-351-1}}
• {{Cite book |last=Kabakchieva |first=Petya|editor-first=Daniel |editor-last=Smilov |editor-first2=Lea |editor-last2=Vaysova |script-title=bg:Протестът. Анализи и позиции в българската преса. Лято 2013|publisher=Изток-Запад |date=24 June 2013 |pages=444–448 |script-chapter=bg:Да мислим от позицията на младите|isbn=978-619-152-351-1}}
• {{Cite book |last=Popov |first=Yulian|editor-first=Daniel |editor-last=Smilov |editor-first2=Lea |editor-last2=Vaysova |script-title=bg:Протестът. Анализи и позиции в българската преса. Лято 2013|publisher=Изток-Запад |date=24 June 2013 |pages=458–459 |script-chapter=bg:От блоговете: 7 причини за това защо изборите не проработиха и ще трябва да се повторят

|isbn=978-619-152-351-1}}

• {{Cite book |last=Prodanov |first=Vasil|editor-first=Daniel |editor-last=Smilov |editor-first2=Lea |editor-last2=Vaysova |script-title=bg:Протестът. Анализи и позиции в българската преса. Лято 2013|publisher=Изток-Запад |date=28 June 2013 |pages=231–234 |script-chapter=bg:Протестите: нова битка на дясното срещу лявото|isbn=978-619-152-351-1}}
• {{Cite book |last=Yanakiev |first=Kalin|editor-first=Daniel |editor-last=Smilov |editor-first2=Lea |editor-last2=Vaysova |script-title=bg:Протестът. Анализи и позиции в българската преса. Лято 2013|publisher=Изток-Запад |date=5 August 2013 |pages=195–199 |script-chapter=bg:Отново <<комунисти>>|isbn=978-619-152-351-1}}
• {{Cite book |last=Zarkova |first=Anna|editor-first=Daniel |editor-last=Smilov |editor-first2=Lea |editor-last2=Vaysova |script-title=bg:Протестът. Анализи и позиции в българската преса. Лято 2013|publisher=Изток-Запад |date=11 July 2013 |pages=344–346 |script-chapter=bg:Полицаите като герои на протеста|isbn=978-619-152-351-1}}

• {{Cite book |last=Boyadzhiev|first=Tsocho |editor-first=Daniel |editor-last=Smilov |editor-first2=Lea |editor-last2=Vaysova |script-title=bg:Протестът. Анализи и позиции в българската преса. Лято 2013|publisher=Изток-Запад |date=16 July 2013 |pages=124–131 |script-chapter=bg:Фотография и протест|isbn=978-619-152-351-1}}
• {{Cite book |last=Garnizov |first=Vasil |editor-first=Daniel |editor-last=Smilov |editor-first2=Lea |editor-last2=Vaysova |script-title=bg:Протестът. Анализи и позиции в българската преса. Лято 2013|publisher=Изток-Запад |date=15 July 2013 |pages=137–145 |script-chapter=bg:Протестът дава шанс да се изгради нов институционален ред (интервю на Слав Оков)|isbn=978-619-152-351-1}}
• {{Cite book |last=Simeonov|first=Parvan |editor-first=Daniel |editor-last=Smilov |editor-first2=Lea |editor-last2=Vaysova |script-title=bg:Протестът. Анализи и позиции в българската преса. Лято 2013|publisher=Изток-Запад |date=26 June 2013 |pages=426–427 |script-chapter=bg:Политически самоубийства|isbn=978-619-152-351-1}}
• {{Cite book |last=Sugarev|first=Edvin |author-link = Edvin Sugarev |editor-first=Daniel |editor-last=Smilov |editor-first2=Lea |editor-last2=Vaysova |script-title=bg:Протестът. Анализи и позиции в българската преса. Лято 2013|publisher=Изток-Запад |date=2013 |pages=105–108 |script-chapter=bg:Отворено писмо на Едвин Сугарев, с което обявява гладна стачка|isbn=978-619-152-351-1}}

• {{Cite book |last=Галъп |editor-first=Daniel |editor-last=Smilov |editor-first2=Lea |editor-last2=Vaysova |script-title=bg:Протестът. Анализи и позиции в българската преса. Лято 2013|publisher=Изток-Запад |date=1 August 2013 |pages=323–324 |script-chapter=bg:Данни на Галъп|isbn=978-619-152-351-1}}

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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2017}}

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