17 May 2022 | 05:30 PM UTC
Bulgaria: Public transport workers to stage protest march and rally in Sofia May 18
Public transport workers to march in Sofia, Bulgaria, May 18. Roadblocks, increased security, localized disruptions likely.
Event
Unionized public transport workers will protest in Sofia on May 18 to demand better pay and condemn high fuel prices. Participants will gather in three locations at 09:00 before marching to the Council of Ministers on Bulevar Kniaz Aleksandar Dondukov. The three gathering points are the Five Corners intersection, Lions' Bridge, and Stochna Gara Square; participants may attempt to block traffic during the action.
Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional police to monitor the event. The protest and related security measures will likely cause localized transport disruptions into the early afternoon of May 18. Nevertheless, city officials expect public transportation to operate mostly on schedule during the demonstration since only employees who are slated to be off duty will be participating in the action. Isolated clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.
Advice
Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Allow extra time for travel in the surrounding area through May 18.
