site.btaSofia Municipality Mobilizes Support for High School Graduation Exams Amid Transport Strikes

Sofia Municipality is focusing its efforts on ensuring the smooth conduct of the high school graduation exams scheduled for May 21 and 23. Mayor Vasil Terziev announced on Facebook that if transport workers' unions decide to continue their strike and risk the future of these young people, the municipality will mobilize all available resources to help students reach their exam locations on time.

According to Terziev, less than 1% of teachers across 160 schools in Sofia have been unable to reach their workplaces over the past two days. Approximately 10% of students have been absent, though schools note that these absences are due to various circumstances.

The above-ground public transport in Sofia remains non-operational for yet another day due to ongoing protests by workers demanding higher wages and better working conditions. The metro system is running on its usual weekend schedule.

“Sofia has always shown the greatest mobilization when facing challenges,” said Terziev. “This is especially true for those who care for our children. Schools, kindergartens, and nurseries have repeatedly proven they can operate under extraordinary conditions.”

On Thursday, fewer than 3% of kindergarten teachers (77 individuals) were unable to report to work; on Friday, the number dropped to 1% (23 teachers). Sofia employs over 101,000 teachers, and non-pedagogical staff and medical personnel have also remained at their posts. Of the approximately 35,000 children enrolled, around 25,000 attended kindergartens and nurseries—an attendance rate consistent with previous years, despite the current disruption.

Terziev expressed gratitude to school principals and teachers for their efforts to get to work and for their understanding toward students. He also thanked the students and their parents for prioritizing education despite the difficulties.

The mayor extended special thanks to kindergartens for maintaining uninterrupted operations throughout the week. He announced that his administration will propose changes to the Preschool and School Education Act to grant mayors the authority to declare non-school days for kindergartens in emergency situations—an option currently only available for schools.

Terziev called on the Ministry of Education and Science to collaborate on a transportation plan to assist graduating students in reaching exam venues if needed.

Meanwhile, drivers in Sofia's surface transport system submitted a petition warning that if their demands are not met, they will launch indefinite protest actions. While they apologized to city residents for the inconvenience, they remain firm in their stance and unwilling to make further compromises.