Protest by public transport workers blocks Sofia
Public transport workers in Sofia held a protest that lasted nearly the whole of Wednesday. The demonstration involved blockading the depots of trams, trolleybuses, and buses, effectively suspending all above-ground public transport in the capital for several hours although the metro continued operating. The action forced schools in Sofia to close for the day.
Unions have demanded a wage increase and an additional 40.7 million levs in state funding for Sofia, Varna, and Ruse. While the municipality is prepared to increase pay for drivers and dispatchers due to staffing shortages, unions insist on equal raises for all transport workers, warning of growing deficits and wider staffing issues. With no agreement reached yet, unions are continuing to call for a joint meeting with the Ministry of Finance, the Council of Ministers, and Sofia Municipality to find a sustainable solution.
Government restarts investment program for municipal projects
The government is restarting its investment program for municipal projects, Regional Development Minister Ivan Ivanov announced following today's cabinet meeting.
To date, around 2,000 project proposals have been submitted by municipalities across the country. Ivanov explained that the initiatives aim to improve street, sports, and cultural infrastructure, ultimately improving the living environment and quality of life in the affected areas. He stressed that funding decisions are based on the significance of the projects, not on the political affiliations of local administrations. The minister also emphasized that the government is committed to reducing regional disparities. To support this goal, an additional transfer of up to 750 million levs has been approved for the ministry's budget.
Bulgaria ranks in the top 10 for global counterfeit trade
The global trade in counterfeit goods reached 467 billion dollars in 2021, as reported by the OECD. Bulgaria ranks among the top 10 countries targeted by counterfeit products, alongside the US, Germany, and other European nations.
The country is not only a notable source of counterfeit clothing (ranked 17th globally) but also a key transit hub for fake goods entering the EU. In particular, 20% of counterfeit clothing seized at the Turkish-Bulgarian border is headed for the EU market. Additionally, Bulgaria is the 6th-largest in intercepting fake cosmetics. The report highlights China as the leading producer of counterfeit goods, with European markets being the primary targets for these illegal products.
Protest by public transport workers blocks Sofia
Public transport workers in Sofia held a protest that lasted nearly the whole of Wednesday. The demonstration involved blockading the depots of trams, trolleybuses, and buses, effectively suspending all above-ground public transport in the capital for several hours although the metro continued operating. The action forced schools in Sofia to close for the day.
