Bulgarian Education Min Stages Bogus Meeting with Students amid Occupation

Representatives of Bulgaria's college students met Education Minister Aneliya Klisarova, ostensibly to discuss ongoing occupations at some of Bulgaria's institutions of higher learning.

The meeting, held Tuesday at the Ministery of Education, was at Klisarova's invitation, but failed to inculde the Sofia University students, who triggered the series of occupations of college buildings two weeks ago.

The so-called Sofia University "Early Birds" had issued a refusal to participate, citing their belief that the current cabinet has lost all legitimacy.

In their official declaration, they had requested the resignation of PM Plamen Oresharski and the dissolution of parliament.

Tuesday's meeting was honored representatives of Bulgaria's National Association of College Student Councils, an union that in the past many students described as not representative of their interests.

Media reporters said they were baffled by the fact that the meeting was moderated by a journalist from private TV channel TV7.

After the meeting, students only briefly answered questions, while Minister Klisarova said she presented the ministry's strategy for the development of higher education in Bulgaria.

In prior statements regarding the occupations, Klisarova had commented that, being political, students' demands for cabinet resignation are not befitting to be coming from an academic institution.

She said that she is however ready to discuss demands relating to the education process and potential reforms.

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