Day 54 of anti-government protests

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23:56, 31.08.2020

On day 54 (August 31) of anti-government protests, the demonstrators gathered earlier, about 18:30 and at a different place – the building of the European Commission in Rakovski street in Sofia. The slogan was “Eyes wide open”. The protesters’ aim was to bring the situation in Bulgaria to the attention of the European Institutions and demand their specific actions.

No traffic blockades took place at Rakovski street, but despite that there was enhanced police presence.

The demonstrators put up a poster “Operational Program Facade Democracy”. Its format was similar to that used by Brussels to mark sites built with EU funds. Through it, those dissatisfied with Borissov's government wanted the European institutions to pay attention to the ways in which EU funds are spent in the country.

The protesters blocked Racho Dimov street on the right side of the EC office.

The organisers of the protest, the so called “Poisonous Trio” - lawyer Nikolai Hadzhigenov, Prof. Velislav Minekov and Arman Babikyan, came out with a position after the categorical position of the MRF against changes in the Constitution and the convening of the Grand National Assembly.

They insist on three things - a quick resignation of the Borisov-3 cabinet, the formation of a caretaker government and the holding of fair elections.

“After 53 days of protest, which proved to the world community and the entire Bulgarian people that the corrupt government led by Boyko Borissov must resign, today the smarter of the partners in power deprived Boyko Metodiev Borissov of his last alibi for remaining in power. After the change of ministers, the unprincipled distribution of money, the attempts for violence against the citizens, the last chance to stay in power after the statement of the MRF, no longer exists,” the protest organisers said.

"We do not trust the mafia government and will protest until the final and swift resignation of the government and the formation of a caretaker cabinet guaranteeing fair and transparent elections. The protests continue, the national uprising on September 2 will go ahead."

Babikyan, Minekov and Hadzhigenov emphasised that September 2 is "a wonderful date on which the lone dictator can retire so that "we can celebrate the Unification of Bulgaria on September 6. We do not give up any of our demands. The battle continues. We, the citizens, are the new beginning in the public life of Bulgaria," hey said.

As part of the routine, about 21:00, the procession went to Eagles’ Bridge. Before that, the protesters passed by the building of the National Assembly, chanting “Resignation”.