Pass of the Republic remains blocked, protesting miners and energy workers plan to stay overnight

The Pass of the Republic remains blocked to traffic for the 10th hour of the protest of the energy workers and miners from Maritsa East complex on September 29. All bypass routes are blocked, which is why there are kilometres-long queues of cars in the area.

The protesters plan to stay on the road throughout the night and say their blockade is indefinite until their demands are met.

PM Denkov to protesting miners and energy workers: The plants will work until 2038, we are doing the best for you

Protesters disagree with Stara Zagora's territorial plan for just transition. They chant "Resign" for the government and say they will not back down from their demands. Shortly after 6 p.m. they were joined by the second shift from Maritsa East 2 power plant.

The people are demanding that their jobs and Bulgaria's energy independence and stability be guaranteed.

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The Pass of the Republic is a mountain pass in the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) in Bulgaria. It connects Veliko Tarnovo and Gurkovo.

It is also known as Hainboaz Pass.