Sofia transport staff demand more money
For the third week in a row, Sofia's transport system faces the prospect of stoppages due to union protests.
Unions are demanding the immediate implementation of a promised bonus system and another increase in drivers' base salaries. Sofia's mayor, Vasil Terziev, has been warned that if their demands are not met, protests will resume after the upcoming election.
This is the second time such issues have arisen during Terziev's term. The municipality, however, has stated that the bonus system agreement is scheduled for implementation by the end of the year. Deputy Mayor for Transport, Iliyan Pavlov, visited the protesters and confirmed that the issue would be addressed in the upcoming budget update, following the elections.
Public transport drivers currently receive between 3700 and 4700 levs a month. This is considerably higher than the average income for the capital, which is around 3100 levs.
Vote buying a serious threat to democracy
Security chiefs and representatives of various institutions have briefed President Radev on efforts to prevent vote buying and controlled voting, ensure smooth machine voting, and guarantee a transparent election. Attendees included caretaker Minister of Innovation and Growth Rosen Karadimov, caretaker Minister of Interior Atanas Ilkov, caretaker Minister of E-Government Valentin Mundrov, acting Chief Prosecutor Borislav Sarafov, and representatives from the Central Election Commission (CEC) and the State Agency for National Security (SANS).
In particular, Radev expressed concern that vote buying could undermine both faith in democracy and the legitimacy of institutions even before the elections.
Fewer deals in industrial real estate
Brokers handling industrial real estate are reporting rising rental and sale prices for logistics and warehouse facilities throughout Bulgaria.
Yet, while demand remains steady or increases in some cities, the number of completed deals is declining. This is due to rising prices, limited supply, a shortage of available land for new construction, and political instability.
According to BGSklad, a platform for industrial real estate, there is a growing demand for smaller warehouse spaces (up to 200 sq. m), especially in cities like Plovdiv, Burgas, and Pleven, where companies are downsizing or unable to afford larger spaces. In cities like Stara Zagora, Shumen, and Vratsa, there is a shortage of modern industrial buildings with the necessary infrastructure, while older facilities often fail to meet tenants' requirements. In Sofia, although there is demand for industrial and logistics properties, deals have slowed due to higher rental and sale prices.
Sofia transport staff demand more money
For the third week in a row, Sofia's transport system faces the prospect of stoppages due to union protests.