19 Jun 2022 | 04:12 PM UTC
Bulgaria: Pro-government protests planned in Sofia June 20-22
Ruling party supporters to protest daily outside National Assembly in Sofia, Bulgaria, June 20-22. Increased security, disruptions likely.
Event
Supporters of the government will stage daily pro-government demonstrations in downtown Sofia June 20-22 ahead of a debate on a parliamentary vote of no confidence in the government. Participants will gather in National Assembly Square at 18:30 each evening June 20-22. Attendance will likely not exceed the low thousands.
Authorities will almost certainly deploy additional police to monitor the event. The protest and related security measures will likely cause localized disruptions. Violence is not likely.
Context
Demonstrations in support of the government took place outside the National Assembly in Sofia on the evening of June 16 after opposition parties voted to oust the Speaker, a member of the ruling We Continue the Change party. The ruling party also faces a vote of no confidence in its government no earlier than June 22; protests both for and against the government are likely.
Advice
Avoid the demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Allow extra time for travel in the surrounding area during the evening June 20-22.
