site.btaVazrazhdane Submits Documents to Initiate Local Referendum in Sredets against Establishing of Immigration Detention Centre

Vazrazhdane has submitted documents for holding a referendum at Sredets Municipality, Burgas Region against the establishing an immigration detention centre, the press centre of the political party said on Monday.

At a meeting with residents, the procedure for creating an initiative committee was launched, which will organize a petition to convene a local referendum, Vazrazhdane pointed out, with signature collection points to be opened in front of the Municipality building and the village town halls. The party added that the question of the referendum will be: "Do you agree to prohibit the construction of a centre for accommodating people seeking international protection on the territory of Sredets Municipality ?".

During the meeting, a number of serious public concerns were expressed related to the possible opening of such a facility in the municipality. The residents emphasized the risk of a negative impact on the sense of security and tranquility, especially given the aging demographic structure of the population and the continuing decline in the number of people living in Sredets.  There could be a risk that the number of people accommodated will reach a significant proportion of the local population, Vazrazhdane noted.

Vazrazhdane also argued that the planned site in Sredets was initially considered as an opportunity to develop an industrial zone, which could support the economy of the municipality by creating jobs and attracting investments. "Changing the purpose to a migration centre contradicts the long-term economic interests of the local community," the party stressed.