site.btaProtesters against Expansion of Blue, Green Parking Zones Block Intersection in Downtown Sofia; Deputy PM Karadjov among Those Held Up

Protesters opposing the expansion of Sofia’s blue and green parking zones briefly blocked the intersection near the Central Military Club in downtown Sofia on Thursday evening. Among the vehicles caught in the blockade was that of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov, who continued on foot to his next meeting, escorted by police.

Karadjov exchanged remarks with the protesters several times. Among them were also opponents of Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro, who asked why no referendum on the euro had been held.

Earlier in the day, demonstrators gathered in front of Sofia Municipality demanding the withdrawal of amendments to the Ordinance on Traffic Organization on the territory of Sofia Municipality, which expand the paid parking zones in the capital and increase parking fees and subscription rates.