Bulgaria: Protests planned in Sophia July 25-27

Event

Demonstrations are planned near the National Assembly in Sophia on Wednesday, July 25, through Friday, July 27 from 08:30-21:00 (local time) to protest amendments to a recently adopted privatization law. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected near demonstration sites.

Context

The amendments to the privatization law, which parliament approved on July 17, would, among other things, exempt companies from paying indemnities beyond five years. President Rumen Radev has stated that the changes would be harmful to the public interests and vetoed the amendments on Tuesday, July 24, sending them back to parliament for further review.

Advice

Individuals in Sophia are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate transportation disruptions in the vicinity of protests. Adhere to all directives issued by the local authorities.