"The Bulgarian lev is not just a currency. It is a symbol of our sovereignty, our independence and the right to decide our own future. Despite the mass public discontent, the government continues to push through its plans to forcefully introduce the euro, without a referendum and without the consent of the Bulgarian people," protesters said.

The leader of the Vazrazhdane party, Kostadin Kostadinov, told the protesters that on Wednesday, June 4, when the extraordinary convergence report is expected, the entrance to the parliament will be blocked.

"I want to address an appeal to our so-called partners in the European Union. Let them not cut the chair they are sitting on. Do not make a cardinal political mistake. On Wednesday, a European Commissioner will come, as far as we understand. It is obvious that the ruling party is very scared, because from Monday to Friday next week, all kinds of outsiders will be banned from entering the parliament, but they cannot ban us from being here and today we will call on all Bulgarian citizens to come on Wednesday, at 8:30 in front of the parliament, to block the parliament and when this European Commissioner or European Commissioners come, whoever they are, because they do not tell us - even that they are afraid to tell us - who exactly will be coming, they will see the true face of Bulgaria," commented Kostadinov.

Protesters in defense of the Bulgarian lev in Pernik tore up and trampled on the ground photos of European leaders, BNR correspondent Elena Tamakyarska reported.

Holding placards reading "No to the euro, the previous dictatorship did not introduce the ruble! No to the euro, thank you, we choose the leva," hundreds of Plovdiv residents joined the protest at Saedinenie Square in the city. They expressed concerns that prices would rise with the adoption of the single European currency.

"We are coming out to finally show that we are not a herd and we must be asked!", protesters in Yambol told BNR correspondent Daniela Kostova. "There is no point in rushing - two, three, four years will be an opportunity for the economy to stabilize, both in Bulgaria and in Europe! It is very risky at the moment!" protesters commented.

A protest against the introduction of the single European currency closed traffic on one of the key boulevards in Ruse - "Hristo Botev", reports BNR correspondent Asya Pencheva. Police are guarding the people's protest. Detour routes have been created for drivers on the road to and from Varna and Bucharest.

Vratsa also joined the national protest in defense of the leva. Protesters gathered at Sumi Square. From there, they organized a procession along the pedestrian zone in the city center, BNR correspondent Iva Antonova reported.