Bulgaria, the poorest member of the EU, may have suffered the most. Even before the gas stopped flowing, the 27-nation bloc had frozen millions in funds to pressure the ex-communist country to clean up rampant crime and corruption.
Twice in the past week, angry Bulgarians demonstrated outside parliament in the capital, Sofia.
On Wednesday, dozens were injured, including 14 police officers, when demonstrators hurled stones and bottles.
“I want this government to resign because it cannot guarantee my basic needs — a normal salary, a heated home and safety for my family,” said Ivan Nenov, a 56-year-old Sofia electrician.
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