Bulgarians Stage Fresh Massive Anti-Government Rally

Thousands of Bulgarians have taken to the streets of the capital Sofia to demand the resignation of the country’s government for a 35th day in a row.

SKAT, a local TV channel known to be the mouthpiece of extreme nationalist party National Front for Salvation of Bulgaria , attempted to stage a concert at the Nezavisimost (Independence) square in Sofia, where the protesters gathered to start the rally. The concert was booed by demonstrators, as it was viewed as a political campaigning event.

Reporters say that the whole space between the Bulgarian National Bank and the National Assembly (Parliament) in central Sofia is now occupied by protesters.

The presence of riot police is reportedly also huge.

Thursday’s rally has been staged under the motto “It is deeds we need, not words” – a famous quote by Bulgaria’s national hero Vasil Levski.

June 18 marks the 176th anniversary since the birth of Levski, a revolutionary known as the country’s Apostle of Freedom –and protesters are to pay homage to him during the rally.

Earlier on Thursday, protesters occupied main streets and intersections, such as Eagles' Bridge, the intersection across Sofia University, the one at the Military Club, "Tsar Liberator" boulevard, "Rakovski" and "Moskovska" streets. Disgruntled Bulgarians threw tomatoes and other vegetables at the Parliament.

The series of the peaceful, but mass and persisting anti-government protests in Bulgaria was triggered by the scandalous appointment of media mogul Delyan Peevski as Chair of the State Agency for National Security (DANS).

Although the appointment was revoked, the people went on to demand that the Socialist-endorsed cabinet of Prime Minister, Plamen Oresharski, resign collectively over ties with oligarchs.

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