Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev accused GERB leader Boyko Borissov and Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov of populism and reckless actions. Earlier today, the government announced it would allocate an additional 15 million leva (7.7 million euros) in subsidies for Sofia’s public transport in an effort to resolve the dispute between the striking Sofia public transport workers and Mayor Vasil Terziev, who claims that there is no money for the requested wage increase.

The leader of GERB criticized the mayor of Sofia for not engaging in dialogue with the protesters, reported BNR.

“I believe that the mayor has no excuse anymore and that the 300 leva salary increase will happen. It is quite possible that tomorrow there will be ground public transport in Sofia”, Ivan Kirilov, Chairman of the Federation of Transport Workers at the Confederation of Labor "Podkrepa", wrote on Facebook. Vasil Terziev warned that if the money is increased now, the city will run out of money by October and won’t even be able to pay salaries. According to Sofia’s Deputy Mayor for Finance, Ivan Vasilev, “Sofia’s public transport doesn’t need 15 million leva, but serious reforms” to reduce the bloated administration and solve the problem with the shortage of 350 drivers.

People have gathered in front of the Sofia Municipality building in support of Mayor Terziev.

Later today, the protesters are expected to announce whether the transport blockade of Sofia will end.

• Government allocates €7.7 million to Sofia public transport in response to workers' protest

• Transport strike restricts children’s right to education

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photo: BGNES