Bulgaria: Taxi drivers staging striking and protesting nationwide Nov. 20

Unionized taxi drivers led by the National Taxi Union are striking and protesting nationwide on Nov. 20. The purpose of the action is to denounce increased insurance costs, which drivers allege threaten their livelihoods. Protest activity can take the form of road blockades, go-slow demonstrations, and convoys across the cities. Participants will reportedly protest through the day in at least 30 cities nationwide. In Sofia, at least three major convoys are starting through the morning of Nov. 20:

• From Tsaritsa Yoanna Boulevard;

• From Tsarigradsko Shose Boulevard;

• From Botevgradsko Shose Boulevard.

All convoys will reach Knyaz Alexander I Square, where participants will continue to protest until at least 13:00.

Authorities will likely deploy increased security to monitor the demonstrations across the country. Road travel and transport disruptions are likely in major urban centers. Limited confrontations between demonstrators and disgruntled drivers are possible.