site.btaKarlovo Chapter of Vazrazhdane Party Organizes Protest against Gunpowder Factory

The Karlovo chapter of the Vazrazhdane party organizes a peaceful protest in front of the Karlovo Municipality building on October 30 against the construction of a gunpowder factory in the central Bulgarian town, Vazrazhdane's press centre reported on Tuesday. The protest, to be held during the regular session of the Municipal Council, is prompted by a proposed change in the town's detailed territorial plan for the construction of the factory on 52 hectares of mostly woodlands. 

Earlier on Tuesday, the Bulgarian government and German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall officially announced the start of a project to build a gunpowder and ammunition factory in the country.

Vazrazhdane calls on all residents of Karlovo Municipality and citizens from across Bulgaria to come attend the regular session and demand a public debate on the gunpowder factory project, because the decisions to be taken will affect the health, security, and future of the region. "Do not let them poison the Rose Valley! Do not let them turn one of the country's most beautiful and fertile regions into a strategic military target!" Vazrazhdane calls on citizens.

According to the party, Bulgaria needs not a gunpowder factory but clean air, peace, and sustainable development. "The nature of our country is a treasure, not a bargaining chip for foreign interests," the press release reads.