Day 35 of protests: Three crossroads in Sofia remain blocked to traffic

day protests three crossroads sofia remain blocked traffic

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23:57, 12.08.2020

Three blocked crossroads in Sofia, a protest convoy of cars and a rally in front of the German embassy on the 35th day of protests on August 12.

Tent camps are located in front of the Presidency, at Sofia University and on Orlov Most (Eagles’ Bridge). The demands remain the same - the resignation of the government and the Chief Prosecutor.

The protest passed without serious provocations. There are no new spontaneous traffic blockades.

Speakers stand on platform to address the gathered demonstrators. It was announced that tomorrow the protesters will greet the MPs in front of the Parliament by throwing tomatoes.

Some protesters see the government's new anti-crisis measures as an attempt to quell tensions and bring down the blockades. They are adamant that they will not back down from their demands

At 6.30 pm, in front of the German embassy in Sofia, a protest rally was held under the title: "Mass closing of eyes". The aim of the organisers is to call on Germany to take a clear position on what is happening in Bulgaria.

The organisers call on German political leaders to raise the issue of corruption in Bulgaria, as well as the diversion of EU funds.

Earlier today, the embassy came out with a position on the announced protest. It states that decisions on the political future of Bulgaria are made only in Bulgaria. The position also says that advocacy for the rule of law and the fight against corruption are important elements of the German presidency of the Council of the EU.

The protesters also applauded the petition by scientists from the Bulgarian Academy of Scientists, who collected nearly 170 signatures against the ruling party. Protesters told those who are dissatisfied with the blockades and the difficulties they cause that they accept their opinion, but the purpose of the blockades is in the interest of all.

"When repairs are made on the boulevards in Sofia for 6 months, for 1 year, then no one is dissatisfied. So they can wait a little longer. This is in the interest of the public, not just the protesters themselves," protester Valentin Marinov said..

Due to the blockades, the traffic in the centre of Sofia is redirected on detour routes. The traffic control centre constantly monitors the flow of cars to avoid traffic jams.

Eng. Dimitar Petrov, Center for Traffic Management and Analysis - Sofia: Currently traffic is blocked on Dondukov to Maria Luiza Blvd. and Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., on Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd. between Dondukov and Rakovski street. There are traffic blockades at the intersections of Sofia University and Eagles’ Bridge. The whole traffic is redirected on "Slivnitsa" and "Danail Nikolaev" Blvd. and this is the busiest point at the moment. A new program of the traffic lights has been working on Dragan Tsankov Blvd. and Evlogi and Hristo Georgievi Blvd. for a week now, which in this case works quite well and there is no traffic jam there at the moment.

The traffic blockade of Tsarigradsko Shosse bulevard near Eagles’ Bridge increases use of another large boulevard in Sofia.

Eng. Dimitar Petrov: Sitnyakovo is the only alternative for people who travel from East to West in transit, so it is normal to be busy.

Public transport services operate but with changed routes.

The Centre for Urban Mobility updates the routes and publishes the changes on its Facebook page, for the convenience of travelers. For the time being, only the underground remains unaffected by the traffic blockades and operates on schedule.