site.btaHealth Ministry Condemns Attempted Act of Aggression Against Its Employees at Wednesday Night Protest

The Health Ministry condemned an attempted act of aggression against employees of the ministry, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and the National Assembly during Wednesday’s protest in Sofia. In an official statement published on Facebook, on Thursday, the ministry underlined that the right to protest and to express one’s civic position is a fundamental right guaranteed in every democratic state. However, this right must not be used as a pretext for aggression, threats, humiliation, or any form of assault against any individual, the statement added.

According to the ministry, on Wednesday “several female employees of the Health Ministry, the NHIF, and the National Assembly were subjected to verbal abuse, physical and psychological pressure, and actions that endangered their safety as they attempted to leave the Parliament building. Such situations are entirely unacceptable, especially when they put at risk people who are simply performing their duties and who have no connection to political disputes.”

The Health Ministry emphasized that it stands firmly behind its staff and all civil servants who conscientiously carry out their professional responsibilities.

The ministry also pointed out that just a day earlier, a violence against women protest had taken place in Sofia. While expressing one’s position is a right of every citizen, the ministry stated, aggression is not and “it has no place in public debate”.

“We firmly condemn all forms of aggression and incitement to hostile actions, regardless of their source. Such behaviour cannot be justified under any circumstances,” the statement reads.

Moments of escalation occurred at Wednesday night’s protest against the 2026 State Budget Bill in Sofia when demonstrators attempted to overturn a police van on Dondukov Boulevard but were pushed back by gendarmerie officers.

The Sofia Directorate of the Interior reported that three police officers were injured while carrying out their duties to maintain public order during the protest. Protesters attempted to break through the police cordon and threw bottles and firecrackers at officers. Two of the injured officers were transported to hospital for medical examinations, the police said.