site.btaProtest Mottoed "Trash for the Trash" in Sofia Starts with Clash with Police, Continues Peacefully
A protest outside the Interior Ministry building in Sofia began with a brief clash with police on Wednesday evening. The protest was organized by the BOEC civic movement. Demonstrators had wanted to hold their initiative directly outside the Ministry building, but were blocked by police. The protest later continued peacefully.
Participants carried bags symbolizing bin bags, under the motto "Trash for the Trash". The demonstration was triggered by the waste management crisis in Sofia's Lyulin and Krasno Selo boroughs, as well as by alleged electoral violations in Pazardzhik during the October 12 municipal council elections, for which complaints have been filed. Outside the Interior Ministry building, protesters chanted "Resignation", urging Interior Minister Daniel Mitov to step down.
The police in the southern town of Pazardzhik reported receiving 34 complaints of electoral violations on October 12. Twelve of the reports were linked to the village of Ognyanovo, while 16 concerned suspected vote-buying in the regional centre and several villages.
Sofia's Lyulin and Krasno Selo boroughs have been experiencing a waste collection crisis since October 5. It erupted after Sofia Municipality refused to sign new waste collection contracts, arguing that the only remaining bidder demanded prices more than three times the market rate. Mayor Vassil Terziev has said Sofia Municipality would not pay a protection racket fee and would not yield to "mafia practices".
/DS/
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