Protests across Bulgaria against the war on the roads

People from all over the country took to the streets to demand stopping the war on the roads and stricter penalties for those who cause accidents. The cause of their anger was the death of 12-year-old Siyana, who died after a collision between a truck and a car on the Pleven-Lukovit road near the village of Telish.

Thousands of citizens gathered in the center of Telish, holding up posters reading “Siyana died - corruption survived”, “Enough death on the road”, “Collective irresponsibility is killing our children”.

“This protest is peaceful and civil, this protest is a national cry for justice and is not subject to political interests”, mayor of the village, Neli Dakova said. She also outlined measures that urgently need to be taken – repairs to the Pleven-Lukovit road section, installation of road signs, ensuring improved visibility.

After a meeting with regional governors, Minister of Regional Development Ivan Ivanov announced that the ministry is accelerating actions to make 36 critical road sections in the country safer. “I support the protesters. They have a reason and I stand in solidarity with them. They are right that the state must take measures very quickly and urgently,” he commented.