site.btaDeputy PM Zafirov Calls Labour Day "Symbol of Defiance and Hard-Won Change"

Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov Thursday said International Workers' Day is a symbol of defiance which has led to hard-won change.

Zafirov, who is also Chairman of the National Council of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), attended a celebration traditionally organized by the Left on May Day.

He said: "Ever since that May 1 in 1886 in Chicago, people have been asking whether the pursuit of wealth is worth the cost of human exploitation and the abuse of workers' labour."

"This date reminds us of trade union movements, strikes and the inhumane working conditions of the past. Old Europe was largely spared the worst of these struggles, thanks to strong unions and Social Democratic parties. But even today, we are witnessing a different kind of exploitation, a new form of labour slavery," said Zafirov. "On a day like this, we must say clearly and loudly 'We stand with you'."

Zafirov noted that an economic transformation is taking place where "the worker is no longer seen as a cost, but as an investment, which requires quality education, strong social standing and good health. That is how we see our role - as a guarantor of this transformation".

This year, representatives of the BSP-United Left alliance in the executive, legislative and local branches of government, as well as in the European Parliament, joined union members, supporters of the parties in the government coalition, and working people under the slogan "For Social Justice in a Bulgaria of Solidarity!" to mark May Day.

In addition to focusing on workers' rights and fair pay, the event highlights the challenges of integrating people with disabilities into the labour market. Numerous organizations and representatives of people with disabilities have been invited to share the difficulties they face, with the aim of finding solutions.

The event also includes a tribute to the Left-Wing Press Day.