Protesting miners and energy workers: Roadblocks on Trakia motorway and Pass of the Republic continue during the night

Protests by energy workers and miners have caused transport chaos and blocked traffic on major roads across the country on September 29. In the evening, Trakia motorway at Stara Zagora,(southern central Bulgaria). and the Pass of the Republic (mountain pass in central Bulgaria) remain blocked.

Protests of miners and energy workers cause transport chaos on Trakia motorway

"TRAKIA" Motorway

The tension does not subside - for over 15 hours now both lanes have been blocked in the area of the 208th kilometer near Stara Zagora. The protesters decided to keep the roadblocks during the night despite the low temperatures. They were not happy with the statements after the emergency cabinet meeting and reacted sharply. They refused to send negotiators with the government and in turn invited government representatives to come to them on the spot. So far, however, there is no information that such a visit will take place. Prime Minister Denkov's calls for a halt to the protests have also failed to reduce tensions.

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

The workers addressed the Bulgarians and stressed that their protest does not affect only specific jobs, but the entire energy sector, which they said is the last bastion of Bulgarian independence.

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

PASS OF THE REPUBLIC

The Pass of the Republic mountain pass also remained closed for more than 13 hours. All bypass routes have also been blocked due to which kilometre-long queues of heavy goods vehicles have formed. The roadblock will remain throughout the night, tomorrow it will be decided whether it will continue.

Protesters are demanding that mines and power stations should not be closed until 2030 and then thought should be given to what will be done, but that any plans should be clearly written in a government document. Their other demand is that once the plans for a fair transition are submitted to the European Commission, there should be a wide public discussion.