Protests Against the New Government Measures in Blagoevgrad

Hundreds of people gathered outside of the Blagoevgrad Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI) – just next to AUBG Main Building – on October 28 to join a nation-wide protest against government-imposed restrictions. The primary purpose of the demonstration was to address the new requirement for having a green pass to enter certain venues – including restaurants. 

The demonstration’s event post on Facebook noted that the current system is discriminatory, does not help the COVID-19 crisis, and deepens the economic crisis. They advocated for free COVID-19 testing, universal usage of the green pass, grace period before the policy became mandatory, and other suggestions.

Vasil Dimitrov, Deputy Chairman of the Association of Hotel and Restaurants Owners in Blagoevgrad, was one of the organizers of the protest and led the protesters during the demonstration. 

“The restaurants are not visited in any way. We are protecting not only our employees but also our customers. We are protesting because we do not want to be harmed or damaged. We want to work. All these people who are here today came to work and were eager to work,” Dimitrov said. 

Loud whistles, party horns, and yelling quickly began around 15:30 as the protesters made their way to the front of the RHI building. The door to RHI was locked and the crowd became restless and noisier. Some opened windows to talk to the employees inside in hopes of getting the door unlocked. 

“The state itself works without complying with any rules and laws. So what should we do?” Dimitrov continued his discussion with reporters in front of the RHI building after being unable to enter. An egg was thrown at the door as a result of the closure. 

The crowd made their way to ul. "Mitropolit Boris" where they blocked an intersection before making their way south where they blocked a major roundabout. 

Chants of “Resign” and “Mafia” were heard while poppers (small firecrackers) were set off in the street as they walked. One lady was present with a sign that said “How do I pay my rent.”

Many popular restaurant owners or employees were seen during the protest but they all declined to comment. One attendee said he “only yells and doesn’t talk.” 

According to the public Facebook event, the protest was publicly organized by: Confederation of Bulgarian Tourism Business, Alliance of Tourism Industry in Bulgaria, Bulgarian Association of Restaurants, Association of Restaurants in Bulgaria, Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association, Bulgarian Health and Fitness Association, Bulgarian Association of Retail Centers, representatives of children's centers, and more. 

After a lengthy email chain with AUBG’s Dr. Ventislav Daskalov, the protesters' demands have received mixed reactions from him. Their first listed demand revolves around Austria’s use of antibody tests as proof of immunity. 

“The fact that one country has accepted a possibly incorrect policy does not excuse us to do it as well,” Daskalov said. 

Their fourth demand listed on their Facebook event translates as “We insist that the "green certificate" requirements apply to everyone.”

“They are, with the exception of the children,” Daskalov corrected. 

One of the major points of the protest was related to free, universal testing. Daskalov said, “the state provides free vaccines.  They were proven to protect individuals and public health.  And the state should not use the money from vaccinated people's taxes to pay for the tests of those who are not, unless they have valid medical reasons for this.”

Daskalov also agreed that the green pass requirement should only be for red and dark red zones in the country only if all other measures are followed. He also agreed with their last point to address the issue of those that are unable to get vaccinated due to medical reasons advised by a professional.