This is a correction to what I wrote before about the demonstrators from For the nature. They do not want the directors of Bulgarian national parks to resign. On the opposite they protest against the Governments decision to sack them. The protesters suspect a political game behind this.
I am sorry for my mistake, and very very thankful to k for correcting me.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Demonstration is over
The deomnstration is now over, for today. Demonstrators are pleased and will continue next week, until their demand is met: The resignation of the three directors of the Bulgarian national parks, that have proven incompetent, Vera Petkanchin says.
Jordanka Dineva reports that the police checked participants ID's and filmed during the demonstration.
Source: For the nature
Jordanka Dineva reports that the police checked participants ID's and filmed during the demonstration.
Source: For the nature
Plan C
The protesters are now walking down rakovski street, shouting slogans against the current directors of the national parks, Jordanka Dineva reports. There are no reports of confrontations with the police.
Vis større kart
Source: For the nature
Plan B in action
The demonstrators have now moved away from Popa to Slavejkov Square. See map.
Vis større kart
Up to 200 protesters are shouting ecological slogans. Police is present but doesn't take any action. Traffic is blocked.
Source: For the nature
200 protesters
17.25 the number of protesters is said to be about two hundered. The ecologists block the traffic, hand out candies and explain for more or less understanding drivers why they are protesting.
Source: For the nature
Source: For the nature
Everything is calm at Popa
On their site, For the nature continously post updates about what's happening at Popa in Bulgarian. the first update, from Vera Petkanchin, says that only a few policemen are at the place, among 60-70 persons dmeonstrate and everything is calm. the traffic stands still at the moment
There is also a site avalible. You can go there, and be registerd as an online protester.
the site is called Feel Friendly.In the moment of writing this, 229 visitors are protesting through the site.
There is also a site avalible. You can go there, and be registerd as an online protester.
the site is called Feel Friendly.In the moment of writing this, 229 visitors are protesting through the site.
Plan B
The organizers of todays eco-protest in central Sofia anticipate a strong police presence. in case their original plans to block the traffic around "Popa" is unable to carry through, they have a plan B.
Vis større kart
The protest is thus an act of civil disobedience, and there might be a risk of violence.
An official letter sent to the authorities, demanding that the Bulgarian national parks remain untouched can be found here in Bulgarian.
Vis større kart
The protest is thus an act of civil disobedience, and there might be a risk of violence.
An official letter sent to the authorities, demanding that the Bulgarian national parks remain untouched can be found here in Bulgarian.
Money for mothers
The parliament is preparing changes in the law regulating family support. The changes aim at increased suppot for mothers of twins and student mothers.
Source: Parliament.bg
Source: Parliament.bg
Blockade at popa
The enviromentalists will stage a blockade today at "Popa" in central Sofia, 17.00. The aim of the protest is to defend the Bulgarian national parks thatthey claim are being exploited for short sighted business needs, at times unlawfully.
The full statement can be read in Bulgarian here.
Source: Bulgaria e nasha
The full statement can be read in Bulgarian here.
Source: Bulgaria e nasha
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The enviromentalists
As Darik reported, the environmentalists were not behind the protests yesterday. Due to disagreements about the demands - the protesters now demand the governments resignation, the environmentalists have decided to not take part in the protests for now.
The group "Zelenite" on Facebook are inviting to a protest on their own, against the exploitation of Bulgarian national parks, and the buiding projects planned for he Vitosha mountain close to Sofia.
Sources: Zelenite v facebook, personal
The group "Zelenite" on Facebook are inviting to a protest on their own, against the exploitation of Bulgarian national parks, and the buiding projects planned for he Vitosha mountain close to Sofia.
Sources: Zelenite v facebook, personal
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Vote of no confidence poster
This is a poster from SDS, saying that Bulgarian citizns deserve a better government.
Enviromentalists complain about Bansko
The womens world cup in downhill skiing is to be held in Bansko , Bulgaria in the weekend.
The environmentalists take the occasion to point out the ecological problems surrounding the exploitation of Bansko, and the legal complications behind the resorts building.
See their statement, in English, here.
The environmentalists take the occasion to point out the ecological problems surrounding the exploitation of Bansko, and the legal complications behind the resorts building.
See their statement, in English, here.
50 protesters
Around 50 participants took part in todays protest, showing their despise for the government throughthrowing shoes at the parliamentary building.
According to Darik, the environmentalists did not take part in today's protests, and the dmenad of the protesters was the resignation of the government.
A video is available at News.bg.
Sources: Darik Online, News.bg
According to Darik, the environmentalists did not take part in today's protests, and the dmenad of the protesters was the resignation of the government.
A video is available at News.bg.
Sources: Darik Online, News.bg
Demonstrations today and vote of no confidence
The protesters will again gather in front of the parliamentary building, as they have done every Wednesday since 14/1.
Inside the parliament the debaste has already begun about the vote of no confidence the liberal opposition hass directed against the governement.
Source: Darik Online
Inside the parliament the debaste has already begun about the vote of no confidence the liberal opposition hass directed against the governement.
Source: Darik Online
Monday, February 23, 2009
SDS and GERB
The right wing opposition is preparing for the upcoming elections. A working breakfast have been held including all the major parties.
On Martin Dimitrov's blog the SDS MP reports of differences in perceptin between SDS and GERB.
The tension is quite undersderstandable as the ideological difference between rather ideologically oriented SDS and the populist GERB suggest hostile relations. On teh other hand Bojko Borisov has a position that noone else can claim on the right wing, and any government excluding the socialists and DSP will most likely include GERB.
On Martin Dimitrov's blog the SDS MP reports of differences in perceptin between SDS and GERB.
The tension is quite undersderstandable as the ideological difference between rather ideologically oriented SDS and the populist GERB suggest hostile relations. On teh other hand Bojko Borisov has a position that noone else can claim on the right wing, and any government excluding the socialists and DSP will most likely include GERB.
Protests to continue
The SROK-SOS blog announces that protest will continue in front of teh parliament in SOfia, 11.00 every Wednesday.
In the post they also stress that the strenght of the nation is in the peoples possibility to organise themselves, as opposed to the "degenerated" political class.
In the post they also stress that the strenght of the nation is in the peoples possibility to organise themselves, as opposed to the "degenerated" political class.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Demonstrations to continue every wednesday
Yesterday a demonstration was held in front of the parliamentary building, as every week since 14th of January.
The organisers announce that the protests will continue, until otherwise noticed, every wednesday at 11 on the same spot.
Source: Darik radio, broadcasted yesterday
The organisers announce that the protests will continue, until otherwise noticed, every wednesday at 11 on the same spot.
Source: Darik radio, broadcasted yesterday
Building in Studentski Grad limited
The parliament is currently discussing the law that regulates building permissions around areas envisaged for students.
I'm uncertain what effect this might have on illegal building processes.
Source: Parliament.bg
I'm uncertain what effect this might have on illegal building processes.
Source: Parliament.bg
There are no shortcuts
Yesterday evening I visited the discusion meeting about the foundations of Bulgarian democracy, arranged by For the nature.
Ruja Smilova, lecturer at Sofiskij Universitet, held a very nice presentation, quickly going through the theoretical underpinnings as well as the problems of finding a blanace between freedom, poular influence and efficient leadership.
Among 30 people attenden, I would guess that for most of them this was not the first meeting with For The Nature, and in a relaxed and open atmosphere they asked questions during and after Smilova's session.
At the end the discussion got more intense, when Smilova had to underlina, that there is no way for citizens to execute complete control over the polticians, except for in elections. Democracy works slowly, and control is executed through knowing what the politicians discuss, and making them repsonsible for it in elections.
As a good example the "Communist Monarchy" Nowray was mentioned ;)
Ruja Smilova, lecturer at Sofiskij Universitet, held a very nice presentation, quickly going through the theoretical underpinnings as well as the problems of finding a blanace between freedom, poular influence and efficient leadership.
Among 30 people attenden, I would guess that for most of them this was not the first meeting with For The Nature, and in a relaxed and open atmosphere they asked questions during and after Smilova's session.
At the end the discussion got more intense, when Smilova had to underlina, that there is no way for citizens to execute complete control over the polticians, except for in elections. Democracy works slowly, and control is executed through knowing what the politicians discuss, and making them repsonsible for it in elections.
As a good example the "Communist Monarchy" Nowray was mentioned ;)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Law on internet surveilance adapted
The Bulgarian parliament have adopted the law about internet surveilance, that electronic freedom activists have focused on the alst week.
The law gives the authorities right to follow internet traffic, but with the important note, that this can only be done if heavy crimes are suspected.
The time data will be stored is also shortened from 24 to 12 months, along the protesters demands.
Bulgaria e nasha describes the decision as a victory on their site.
Today is also the day when the Bulgarian revolutionary Vasil Levski is honoured. He was executed by the authorities 136 years ago, a fact that is given due attention in the press.
Sources:Darik.bg, Bulgaria e nasha
The law gives the authorities right to follow internet traffic, but with the important note, that this can only be done if heavy crimes are suspected.
The time data will be stored is also shortened from 24 to 12 months, along the protesters demands.
Bulgaria e nasha describes the decision as a victory on their site.
Today is also the day when the Bulgarian revolutionary Vasil Levski is honoured. He was executed by the authorities 136 years ago, a fact that is given due attention in the press.
Sources:Darik.bg, Bulgaria e nasha
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
English language first hand sources
SROK-SOS, the Association for development and control, one of the organizations behind the protests have an English version of their blog here.
BEN discusses institutionalized protests
In a Blog post on Bulgaria e nasha (BEN), Vladimir Shopov muses on the need of an instituionalized way to utter citizens' grievances to the politicion, a kind of "speakers corner".
Vladimir says that this place in Sofia will have to be in front of the parliament, where protesters can see the power in the eye, and the power can not avoid seeing the protesters.
Vladimir says that this place in Sofia will have to be in front of the parliament, where protesters can see the power in the eye, and the power can not avoid seeing the protesters.
Eleonora Nikolova asks for parliamentary probe into builiding in Studentski Grad
The independent MP Eleonora Nikolova has asked for a parliamentary probe, that looks into building process in Studentski Grad, to see if they are legal or not.
The student protests in Sofia began after the death of 20 years old Stojan baltov outisde an allegedly illegaly built discoteque Amnesia in Studentski Grad.
Source: Darik.bg
The student protests in Sofia began after the death of 20 years old Stojan baltov outisde an allegedly illegaly built discoteque Amnesia in Studentski Grad.
Source: Darik.bg
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
NGO conference
The Bulgarian senter for non-profit orgnaisations call for participants in a conference about the participation of NGO's in the political protests.
The meeting will take place during the day at Hotel Radisson in cenral Sofia, at the square in front of the parliament.
The aim of the conference is to produce a strategical document.
Source: Forthenature.org
The meeting will take place during the day at Hotel Radisson in cenral Sofia, at the square in front of the parliament.
The aim of the conference is to produce a strategical document.
Source: Forthenature.org
Monday, February 16, 2009
The socialist youth launches plan for '09
The socialist youth have launched a campaign called PlanBG09. A .pdf presentation can be downloaded here. There is not much to say about this, in February we can expect all parties to come out with their campaigns ahead of the elections, and most likely they will all focus on the same topic as PlanBG09: How to take Bulgaria through the global financial crisis.
PlanBG09 gives a quite rosy picture of the macroeconomical situation, qouting that the enomployment rates have been halved since 2005, the Bulgarian budget surplus and stable banks. I suspect that smoeone would describe the state of the nation in otehr words, but I am not competent to go into details here.
What I do find interesting is the prioritations for 2009, that are listed:
Sounds familiar? It seems like the socialist youth are spotting the same problems as the protesters. Or... that they try to look like the protesters.
What might suggest the second conclusion is that the documents try to please mothers, enviromentalists, students and farmers... the same groups that were protesting.
It seems that corruption, the role of the state and the environment will be at the center of the Bulgarian political discussion, which are great news for everyone, Bulgarians, protesters and Europeans.
Source: M
PlanBG09 gives a quite rosy picture of the macroeconomical situation, qouting that the enomployment rates have been halved since 2005, the Bulgarian budget surplus and stable banks. I suspect that smoeone would describe the state of the nation in otehr words, but I am not competent to go into details here.
What I do find interesting is the prioritations for 2009, that are listed:
- A state against the mafia and corruption (Държавата срещу мутрите и корупцията)
- Active healthcare and social policy (Активна здравна и социална защита)
- Investments in education, science and culture (Инвестиции в образование, наука и култура)
- Modern roads and infrastructure (Модерни пътища и инфраструктура)
- Support for the Bulgarian agricultural sector (Подкрепа за българското земеделие)
- More support for the nature (Повече защита за природата)
Sounds familiar? It seems like the socialist youth are spotting the same problems as the protesters. Or... that they try to look like the protesters.
What might suggest the second conclusion is that the documents try to please mothers, enviromentalists, students and farmers... the same groups that were protesting.
It seems that corruption, the role of the state and the environment will be at the center of the Bulgarian political discussion, which are great news for everyone, Bulgarians, protesters and Europeans.
Source: M
Friday, February 13, 2009
14 February
Today it is one month since the big demonstrations in front of the parliament in Sofia. This is a summary of the events since then:
14_January_2009
(Yes, this is also Valentine's day and I will dedicate it to romantic purpouses. Don't worry, I didn't write this today ;) )
14_January_2009
(Yes, this is also Valentine's day and I will dedicate it to romantic purpouses. Don't worry, I didn't write this today ;) )
Last opinion polls shows increased support for SDS
The institute NTSIOM has today released a poll where they asked Bulgarians how they would vote if the elections were held today.
БСП - 19.2% - BSP, The Socialists
АТАКА - 10.0% - Ataka, the extreme right wing
ДПС - 8.2% - DPS, the "turkish" minority party
СДС - 4.0% - SDS, moderate right wing opposition
ДСБ - 2.2% - DSB, moderate right wing opposition
Движение НАПРЕД – 2.0% - The movement NAPRED, right wing
These results come from Martin Dimitrov's blog. Smaller parties, non-voters and not-yet-decided voters are excluded.
Sources: Klasa, martindimitrov.com
- 25% of the participants in the poll said they would not vote at all.
- The big picture is similar to the last Gallup. The Socialists and GERB are the two obvious contendants.
- Among the smaller parties, SDS, one of the parties closest to the protest movement have almost doubled their share, froma round 2 % to 4 %.
БСП - 19.2% - BSP, The Socialists
АТАКА - 10.0% - Ataka, the extreme right wing
ДПС - 8.2% - DPS, the "turkish" minority party
СДС - 4.0% - SDS, moderate right wing opposition
ДСБ - 2.2% - DSB, moderate right wing opposition
Движение НАПРЕД – 2.0% - The movement NAPRED, right wing
These results come from Martin Dimitrov's blog. Smaller parties, non-voters and not-yet-decided voters are excluded.
Sources: Klasa, martindimitrov.com
News from the greens
For the nature announces an invitation to citizens in Balchik, a small recreational town in north eastern Bulgaria. the citizens ar einvited to start an independant NGO to protect local nature. The meeting is to be held 21th of February.
On their site they also offer links to a German, and English article that explain the ecological problems in Bulgaria.
On their site they also offer links to a German, and English article that explain the ecological problems in Bulgaria.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
"bad human material"
The story about Bojko Borisovs Chicago speech continues. Premier minister Sergej Stanishew has announced that he on the contrary sees the Bulgarian people as the country's strongest asset. Borisov has sent his speech in scripted form to the European Commission to answer the Socialists accusation of racism.
On novinite.com , the English speaking version of Darik a poll has been posted for a couple of days:
Only members on the site can vote, and I am not, so i don't knwo if it possible to vote for more than one alternative. Nr. 1 and 3 are logically compatible so maybe... I am very sad to see this, though.
On novinite.com , the English speaking version of Darik a poll has been posted for a couple of days:
Only members on the site can vote, and I am not, so i don't knwo if it possible to vote for more than one alternative. Nr. 1 and 3 are logically compatible so maybe... I am very sad to see this, though.
For the nature invites to dicsussions
For the nature invites to a series of discussions about civil activism in bulgaria.
The first meeting will take place 19th Feb in Sofia. The topic of the evening is the political system, political representation and participation. The discussion will be led by Ruja Smilova, lecturer at Sofia University.
The first meeting will take place 19th Feb in Sofia. The topic of the evening is the political system, political representation and participation. The discussion will be led by Ruja Smilova, lecturer at Sofia University.
Minister of ecology under probe
The ex-minister of ecology Evdokija Maneva has informed the legal authorities about her suspicions regarding the minister currently in charge: Djedvet Chakurov. She tells Darik radio that she has delivered information abbout alleged corruption herself.
Source: Dnes.dir.bg | For the nature
Source: Dnes.dir.bg | For the nature
Parliamentary action
Today's happenings are scheduled to take place inside, rather than in front of the parliamentary building.
The opposition failed to reinstate a commission that would have investigated the alleged police violence, and mystical ciscumstances around two death case. One of these cases is Metodi Marinov .
Today the parliament will discuss the legislation surrounding the EC directive 2006/24/EC . To incorporate the text into Bulgarian legislation it has to be formulated, and the free speach movement fear the Bulgairan formulations, that so far do not state that the police can use stored data ONLY in cases of serious criminality.
On Bulgaria e nasha five changes/suggestions to the law text have been posted, and a pod cast from re:tv late yesterday where the legislation was discussed.
Sources: Darik.bg, Bulgaria e Nasha
The opposition failed to reinstate a commission that would have investigated the alleged police violence, and mystical ciscumstances around two death case. One of these cases is Metodi Marinov .
Today the parliament will discuss the legislation surrounding the EC directive 2006/24/EC . To incorporate the text into Bulgarian legislation it has to be formulated, and the free speach movement fear the Bulgairan formulations, that so far do not state that the police can use stored data ONLY in cases of serious criminality.
On Bulgaria e nasha five changes/suggestions to the law text have been posted, and a pod cast from re:tv late yesterday where the legislation was discussed.
Sources: Darik.bg, Bulgaria e Nasha
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Demonstration in Sofia 11/2
Around 100 protesters have gathered in front of the parliametnary buildingin central Sofia today. According to Darik their main demand is the resignation of the government: Darik also refers to their demands for citizen control of society. I presume that these are the same that i have referred to earlier as a new social contract:
News. BG tries to press mr. Zahariev on why the numbers of protestors seem to decline, and if he as a protestor sees Bojko Borisov as an alternativ to the current government, after Borisovs statement in Chicago that the biggest problem in Bulgaria is the human material.
Zahariev responds that it is important to devolp the preservence in Bulgarian society adn that the Bulgarian people is the countryäs strongest asset.
See my sources for pictures
Sources: Darik, News.BG
- a legal state,
- citizens' participation in decision making through local referendums, the possibility for citizens to initiate lawmaking and a proportional electional with preferential vote without restrictions
- guaranteed freedom of speech
- ecological responsibility
- real European integration in Bulgaria
News. BG tries to press mr. Zahariev on why the numbers of protestors seem to decline, and if he as a protestor sees Bojko Borisov as an alternativ to the current government, after Borisovs statement in Chicago that the biggest problem in Bulgaria is the human material.
Zahariev responds that it is important to devolp the preservence in Bulgarian society adn that the Bulgarian people is the countryäs strongest asset.
See my sources for pictures
Sources: Darik, News.BG
Open sessions in the parliament
Following a propsal coming form SDS, sessions held by the Parliamentary Comission for citizens' organizations will be open for public.
Source: MartinDimitrov.com (Martin Dimitrov is an MP for SDS)
Source: MartinDimitrov.com (Martin Dimitrov is an MP for SDS)
SDS joins DSB's demands for gov.'s resignation
SDS announces that they join DSB in asking the parliamentary for the government's resignation.
On Martin Martinov's blog nine motivations are posted:
Source: martindimitrov.com
Thanks to M for informing me
On Martin Martinov's blog nine motivations are posted:
- Because of the governement's inability to turn the EU membership into an advantage for Bulgarian citizens.
- Because of the government's inability to integrate Bulgaria in the decision making process in NATO and the EU.
- Because of its deliberate encouragement of Euro-scepticism and denial of the achievements made in the trasnition from totalitarianism and communism to democracy.
- After the denial to fight corruption and conflicting interests.
- Because of the loss of millions of subsidies from the European Union.
- Becasue of the the government's irresponsibility and the insecurity of the peolpe and its children.
- Because of the underestimation of the effects of the international economical crisis in Bulgaria.
- Because the lack of transparency in the decision making process.
- Because the Socialists have moved the country closer to Russia, and thus led Bulgaria into energy dependence and the gas crisis that costed the county 200 Millions (Leva)
Source: martindimitrov.com
Thanks to M for informing me
The European Commission sides with the Bulgarian government
Through Swedish media I find out that the European Court of Justice has ruled against Irelands protest against Directive 2006/24/EC which proclaims that national authorities should store digital data such as your phone number and email adress for two years.
The Directive was adopted by majority vote, regarded as a matter of free movement within the Union. The Irish government, backed by other members states like Slovakia and Sweden, claimed that the Directive is ratter a matter of legal jurisdiction and hence needs to be adopted by all member states according to valid treaties.
Svenska Dagbladet , a pro-EU newspaper, in it's headline says that Sweden now is forced to adopt the directive.
The news is absent from the English speaking media I read on a daily basis, but German Die Zeit covers the topic and reports that a German civil rights group has asked a court to try if the directive is adaptable in the German constitution. Die Zeit also offers an highly critical Op/Ed. fearing for the EU citizens civil rights.
The Bulgarian version of this directive is one of the hot issues in the movement, especially in the organisations preoccupied with electronical rights like Elektronna Granitsa. What they fear is that this directive will be used to curb legal and peaceful but radical protest movements.
On Bulgaria e Nasha Sweden was pointed out as a good example of resisting the directive some weeks ago.
The Directive was adopted by majority vote, regarded as a matter of free movement within the Union. The Irish government, backed by other members states like Slovakia and Sweden, claimed that the Directive is ratter a matter of legal jurisdiction and hence needs to be adopted by all member states according to valid treaties.
Svenska Dagbladet , a pro-EU newspaper, in it's headline says that Sweden now is forced to adopt the directive.
The news is absent from the English speaking media I read on a daily basis, but German Die Zeit covers the topic and reports that a German civil rights group has asked a court to try if the directive is adaptable in the German constitution. Die Zeit also offers an highly critical Op/Ed. fearing for the EU citizens civil rights.
The Bulgarian version of this directive is one of the hot issues in the movement, especially in the organisations preoccupied with electronical rights like Elektronna Granitsa. What they fear is that this directive will be used to curb legal and peaceful but radical protest movements.
On Bulgaria e Nasha Sweden was pointed out as a good example of resisting the directive some weeks ago.
Monday, February 9, 2009
About Maladets
I have found this blog a more than useful tool to try to raise awareness about the protest movement in Bulgaria.
At the moment things are moving much slower than they did three weeks ago, and I wil try to spend the time I usually spend writing on reorganizing the blog.
I will plan for more featured content. Short notes about upcoming events will appear in a calendar, rather than in posts. I will make some sort of bloggroll, and I will look over the tags, so that all articles art tagged coherently.
Thanks for reading
Daniel
At the moment things are moving much slower than they did three weeks ago, and I wil try to spend the time I usually spend writing on reorganizing the blog.
I will plan for more featured content. Short notes about upcoming events will appear in a calendar, rather than in posts. I will make some sort of bloggroll, and I will look over the tags, so that all articles art tagged coherently.
Thanks for reading
Daniel
DSB to ask for the governments resignation
The opposition party DSB have announced that they will once again demand a motion of no confidence for the sitting Bulgarian socialist government. They claim that the negotions with Russia after the Gas quarrel was a betrayal of Bulgarian interests.
Ordinary elections are to take place in six months.
Source: Darik.bg
Ordinary elections are to take place in six months.
Source: Darik.bg
Friday, February 6, 2009
Which mandate?
Bulgaria e nasha have two new posts.
One of the significant things about knowledge is that it comes too late. Today first I read an article on the web site bgfactor, that is highly critical about the government, written 12 January, inviting Bulgarians to participate in the protests 14th of January.
The article names who arep protesting and why. These are the new findings that i didn't know or didn't publish, found in the text :
- A video from the protests 4th of february. It reccomend it also for non-bulgarian speakers. The slogans say that "Democracy is dead", "Wake up the people" etc. That is also the reason that people hold wake up clocks. the Ser Go Home! campaign is not launched by SDS as I earlier said but by
DSB, another liberal opposition party that claim a dissident heritage - A theoretical post by Bogomil Shopov. Bogomil critizes the current "free mandate" system, where the MP is not required to vote according to the promises he gave the voters. In stead he is under pressure from the party.
One of the significant things about knowledge is that it comes too late. Today first I read an article on the web site bgfactor, that is highly critical about the government, written 12 January, inviting Bulgarians to participate in the protests 14th of January.
The article names who arep protesting and why. These are the new findings that i didn't know or didn't publish, found in the text :
- Bojko Borisov's GERB did not state their support for the protests. (This is the official versions, ther are rumours that they do support the protesting milkfarmers)
- DSB call on its members and sympathizers to participate in the protest.
- Football fans from numerous clubs stated already before that they would protest.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Rumble in Chicago
Bojko Borisov, the main political opponent of the socialist government, and widely held as favorite ahead of the upcoming elections, has been in Chicago. There he held a speech for assembled Bulgarian immigrants that has become a hot topic.
According to his adversaries in the Socialist party, Borisov claimed that the main problem in Bulgaria is the human material, 1 mln gypsies, 800 000 turks and 2,5 million retired citizens living in poverty and nostalgia. Kiril Dobrev, a Bulgarian socialist member of the European parliament call Borisov's speech a political suicide, and will take up the happenings as a case of discrimination and racism for the European commission.
Borisov, whose party sports the European Union stars on their posters have answered. He says that he respects and always have respected the Bulgarian people as a whole, including ethnic minorities like gypsies, turks and others. The problem is not as the socialists claim that he said the human material. The problem is that the political class at the moment in power uses these groups despair to deceive them.
According to his adversaries in the Socialist party, Borisov claimed that the main problem in Bulgaria is the human material, 1 mln gypsies, 800 000 turks and 2,5 million retired citizens living in poverty and nostalgia. Kiril Dobrev, a Bulgarian socialist member of the European parliament call Borisov's speech a political suicide, and will take up the happenings as a case of discrimination and racism for the European commission.
Borisov, whose party sports the European Union stars on their posters have answered. He says that he respects and always have respected the Bulgarian people as a whole, including ethnic minorities like gypsies, turks and others. The problem is not as the socialists claim that he said the human material. The problem is that the political class at the moment in power uses these groups despair to deceive them.
Who killed Metodi Marinov?
That's the question Bulgaria e nasha asks in a post today.
On the blog two conflicting versions of Metodi's death the night between 14th and 15th of January are stated.
Unlike their Bulgarian collegues, Swedish policemen have been caught on tape calling immigrant potential rioters monkeys, and say that they're going to beat them so that they vcan't stand straight.
Police misuse of force like this is of course a disgraceto democracy.
On the blog two conflicting versions of Metodi's death the night between 14th and 15th of January are stated.
- Metodi came to the police station by free will. there he confessed to stealing a car together with two more men. He was taken to custody. There hw took his life. The night shift guard visited him after hearing a loud sound, but it was too late to save his life.This version is the official, delivered by the police authorities.
- Metodi was arrested in connection with the protests in central Sofia 14th of January. he said that he didn't feel well and suffered from cardiac problems, but was denied medical help.This version allegedly come from eye witnesses, and was forwarded at a special conference aranged by the opposition party DSB. the police admitt that Metodi declared his health problems, but say thathe refused help.
Unlike their Bulgarian collegues, Swedish policemen have been caught on tape calling immigrant potential rioters monkeys, and say that they're going to beat them so that they vcan't stand straight.
Police misuse of force like this is of course a disgraceto democracy.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Referendums
Darik reports that the protesters demands about local referendums is being debated in the parliament.
Politicians howeve disagree about what questions can bye put to a referndum, and point to the decision in 1998 to give NATO acces to Bulgairan air for bombing Serbia, a decision that probably not would have been accepted in a referendum.
Politicians howeve disagree about what questions can bye put to a referndum, and point to the decision in 1998 to give NATO acces to Bulgairan air for bombing Serbia, a decision that probably not would have been accepted in a referendum.
Elections ahead
The protest movement here described is not so active at the moment. Bulgaria has recently been affected by the Greek farmers protests that blocked roads leading to Greece, and worries rise about the financial crisis.
When protest comes to Greece for teh second time within months, I have to admit that there is a European/International aspect of the protests, reorted from the UK, France, Russia, China etc. What interests me is not this aspect, but the Bulgarian movements own understanding of the happenings.
Bulgaria e Nasha invites to a gathering today, at 17.00 in downtown Sofia. The event is called " Memory of democracy and official awakening of the civil society"
The date is set to the 12th anniversary of the events in 1997, where the socialist's mandate ended after big protests.
In another post, posted today the writer Davidov refers to a professor Konstantinov that points out weaknesses in the Bulgairan cosntitution, adn warns of a renewed Socialist - DPS (The party of the turkish minority) government. this governmetns abilities to rule will be hampered, according to Davidov.
My analysis:
In election times a position hostile to all parties will be rather unsustainable, and the anti-socialist/DPS stance is rather visible at Bulgaria e nasha. I am very insecure to which degree this stance is shared among the other protesters.
It remains to see where this takes the protests.
When protest comes to Greece for teh second time within months, I have to admit that there is a European/International aspect of the protests, reorted from the UK, France, Russia, China etc. What interests me is not this aspect, but the Bulgarian movements own understanding of the happenings.
Bulgaria e Nasha invites to a gathering today, at 17.00 in downtown Sofia. The event is called " Memory of democracy and official awakening of the civil society"
The date is set to the 12th anniversary of the events in 1997, where the socialist's mandate ended after big protests.
In another post, posted today the writer Davidov refers to a professor Konstantinov that points out weaknesses in the Bulgairan cosntitution, adn warns of a renewed Socialist - DPS (The party of the turkish minority) government. this governmetns abilities to rule will be hampered, according to Davidov.
My analysis:
In election times a position hostile to all parties will be rather unsustainable, and the anti-socialist/DPS stance is rather visible at Bulgaria e nasha. I am very insecure to which degree this stance is shared among the other protesters.
It remains to see where this takes the protests.
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