Police presence in downtown Sofia and other areas will be increased

We have taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety and peace of mind of the public. We are reinforcing the police presence in the downtown Sofia and other areas where there are gatherings of people from different backgrounds, the outgoing Minister of Interior Kalin Stoyanov said on March 11 after a meeting with Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev and representatives of branch organisations of restaurants in connection with security in the capital. According to him, this is necessary because of the two incidents (involving migrants) of the last few days in the city centre.

Kalin Stoyanov added that the police presence around the accommodation centres of the State Agency for Refugees, which are guarded by a private company, is being increased.

The outgoing Minister noted the initiation of a legislative change in the Law on Administration, which should enable the recruitment of the necessary 1,264 officers for the “Border Police” General Directorate, as well as 260 police officers to take over the security of the five accommodation centres. He added that the Ministry of Interior had found many flaws in the centres in recent months and had issued recommendations.

Kalin Stoyanov pointed out that there has been no increase in the number of incidents involving migrants in the country over the past year.