Fourth day of protests by miners and energy workers, Struma Motorway blocked to traffic in both directions

Struma motorway is blocked to traffic in both directions with a human chain of protesting energy workers and miners on October 2.

Earlier, police stopped the protesters from TPP and Bobov Dol mines with a cordon of police cars before they reached the main road between Dupnitsa and Kyustendil and Struma Motorway.

Workers in the mining complex said that if they were not allowed to go in their cars, they would walk to the motorway. The police tried to stop the protest march, but the people passed through the fields and walked in the direction of Struma motorway.

"I am defending my job," said Stoyan Gagauzov, an employee of TPP Bobov Dol.

"Nothing can stop us, no matter if they send police. We feel the strength of the people, if we are together, we will succeed. Protest around the clock, until the government comes out and makes a decision for constructive negotiations, things will not work out," emphasised Ivaylo Dimitrov - Trade Union "Podkrepa" at TPP "Bobov Dol".

"We strongly demand that the Territorial Just Transition Plans, the latest ones, the ones that have been sent to Brussels, be made available to us so that we can see what is the next trap in them," urged Yordanka Germanova from "Podkrepa" trade union - Dupnitsa.

The road between Dupnitsa and Kyustendil was blocked by the protesters' procession.

A detour route was introduced at the 59th km of the Struma motorway in both directions: along the I-1 Blagoevgrad-Sofia road from the Dupnitsa North junction to the Boboshevo junction.

Traffic is regulated by traffic police officers. Motorists should drive with caution and speed.

There are no queues as vehicles are diverted via alternative routes.

Trade unions are studying the final texts of the territorial plans, which have been published by the Ministry of Energy. The blockade remains in place until a decision is made to bring protesters to the negotiating table with the government.

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

***

Yesterday, on the third day of protest, the miners and energy workers refused to meet with Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov. He called them to dialogue.

Today more than ever we need an agreement on how to develop our energy sector over the next 20 years, the PM said and stressed that plans for a just transition do not close mines and TPPs, and protesters are misled by political ambitions of those involved in the upcoming local elections. He urged parties in their campaigning not to abuse the fears of energy workers and miners. Denkov spoke out against spreading misinformation, making unfulfillable promises and deliberately escalating tensions.