Disgruntled Bulgarian Truckers Blockade Turkish Border

Protesting Bulgarian truckers have staged a blockade at Kapitan Andreevo on the Turkish-Bulgarian border. File photo by BTA

Bulgarian tractor trailers have blockaded the Kapitan Andreevo-Kapakule border crossing point between Bulgaria and Turkey on the Bulgarian side.

Only cars are being let through the checkpoint now. The Interior Ministry informed the blockade is unauthorized, however, hundreds of trucks from all over the country keep arriving, and the line is growing longer, the Bulgarian National Radio reports Thursday.

Drivers and truck owners are protesting the hurdles for their business on the other side of the border and unfair competition. They complain from unfounded restrictions such as not allowing into Turkish territory trucks carrying over 500 liters of fuel or making drivers wait at the Turkish border for days.

One of the company owners, Georgi Donchev, is quoted saying the Bulgarian State must do something to protect their business and income as they provide jobs and have families to feed.

Donchev informs that he has access to a letter signed by the Turkish Customs Chief asking subordinates to conduct stricter checks of foreign vehicles, particularly Bulgarian ones. He adds that drivers are often forced to resolve their problems though bribes.

The caretaker Transport Minister, Kristian Krastev, is going to meet with the disgruntled drivers Thursday afternoon.

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