Bulgarian Police and Firefighters Protest to Demand Higher Pay

The protest of police officers and firefighters in Sofia took place in the National Assembly Square on 14^th of September. The Interior Ministry officials deman higher salaries, a new law on the Ministery of Interior and new uniforms. On 21 st of October, theysay they will stage a national protest outside the building of Pareliment.

From Brussels, Interior Minister Valentin Radev said that the salaries of all employees in the Security sector should be increased. Radev added that talks were being held with the trade unions at this stage on when and how to increase the pay.

To show poor working conditions and old equipment, firefighters made a brief demonstration of a rescue operation.

The protesters are firm that if their demands are not fulfilled as of 5^th of January, when Bulgaria takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, they will protest every day.

On National Police Day, 5 July, Bulgarian police officers held another protest after trade unions and Ministry of Interior management did not reach agreement on pay rise, but only to compensate those who paid for their uniforms out of their own pockets.