Students Stage Protests in Sofia Against Government

Students from universities in Sofia were the first to take to the streets this evening, December 10 in protest against the government. They began with a short performance on the pedestrian crossing in front of the National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts “Kr. Sarafov ”(NATFA), later moving towards Sofia University, where students from other institutions also gathered.

Initially, NATFA students blocked Rakovski Street in front of the building of their university, demonstrating against the current government.

During the protest, they crossed the pedestrian walkway while chanting slogans, temporarily halting vehicle traffic.

Vehicle traffic was temporarily blocked as a result of the protest. Afterwards, the NATFA students proceeded towards Sofia University.

At Sofia University, two additional student groups joined: the “STOP” initiative, which emphasised the importance of young voices being heard and acknowledged, and “Students Against the Mafia,” comprising law students who expressed outrage at what they described as behind-the-scenes manipulation, institutional arbitrariness, and a concentration of power personified by Delyan Peevski and Boyko Borisov.

photos by BTA

The young lawyers stated that their coalition is non-partisan, founded on a “moral intolerance of abuse of power” and the principles of the rule of law.

“We demand the resignation of this government and of Delyan Peevski. He should no longer be part of this administration.”

“We want the members of the government to think not only of themselves, but also of society. Our presence here proves there is an alternative, and we will bring change.”

“Aren’t the rulers ashamed to have been stealing so brazenly for 20 years? Even in the harshest dictatorships, there isn’t such audacity as we see here.”