Opposition protest rally sparks less-than-expected interest

19:20 Thu 21 Feb 2008 - Elitsa Grancharova

The protest rally held by Bulgarian opposition parties on February 21 2008 to coincide with the debate on the no-confidence vote in Parliament, did not draw the crowds its organisers hoped to attract.

Only 3 000-4 500 protesters gathered in front of Parliament in Sofia, less than half the projected turnout, despite the warm and sunny weather. They were prevented from approaching the building, with 1 200 policemen and a fence surrounding Parliament and half of the adjacent garden.

Most of the protesters were elderly citizens, many of them holding flags of nationalist party Ataka, Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria (GERB), United Democratic Forces (UDF), Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation (VMRO) and Bulgarian Agricultural People’s Union.

A stage was set in front of the entrance to the Bulgarian Science Academy on Narodno Subranie Square next to the Parliament building, with posters on the stage reading “United opposition for early elections.”

The protesters also held banners calling for the resignation of the Cabinet -- "The time and the people do not want you”, “Resignation of (Prime Minister Sergei) Stanishev”, “Rulers, be cursed for destroying Bulgaria and its people” and “Stop the genocide”.

Speeches by opposition politicians were met with shouts of “Mafia”, “Resignation” and “Victory”.

Although the permit issued by the Sofia city hall for the rally was from 2pm until 10pm, protesters started dispersing around 4pm, but incoming buses from other cities kept the rally alive.

At least four buses with Ataka supporters arrived from Rousse, a participant told The Sofia Echo, with another two, as well as cars and mini vans, came from Gabrovo and the surrounding area. Four buses came from Karlovo, including three with GERB supporters alone, while the number of buses from Bourgas was 10-11, a UDF follower from the Black Sea city told The Sofia Echo.

The UDF supporters from Bourgas said they were not satisfied with the speech of Sofia mayor and GERB leader Boiko Borissov, one of the Cabinet's most outspoken critics, who only went on stage to say “Thanks for coming today.”

Comments

Comments by smiley - 09:02 22 Feb 2008
	Borissov should get on with the job of being mayor. But of course as we all know, all he watns is to be PM if not president. But he also willk do nothing for the people of Bulgaria. Sorry, he is not trustworthy at all. Elected by the people to sit in parliament but declining one's seat! This is total dishonesty. It's just like the Spice Girls, who cannot finsh what they started. Laughable really.
Comments by jonathan mills - 09:05 22 Feb 2008
	Whilst it is good to see members of the public being able to say what they feel. I think a protest shlould have a declared aim - rather than protesting simply because they can! I am not sure that demanding the resignation of a duly elected government without clear and concise arguments has any point (other than for coach and taxi companies).