Bulgarian motorcyclists protest sharp rise in compulsory insurance costs

Motorcyclists across Bulgaria staged protests on Friday against a sharp increase in compulsory third-party liability insurance premiums, with demonstrators blocking roads in Sofia and other cities nationwide. Organisers said protests were planned at 25 locations across the country, while traffic at the Danube Bridge border crossing with Romania was expected to face temporary disruption.

The protesters say insurance premiums for motorcycles have risen by more than 80% since April, which they describe as unjustified. “We feel the institutions are defending the interests of insurers rather than consumers,” Krasimir Pargov, a national protest coordinator, told Bulgarian National Radio.

A coalition of 79 motorcycle clubs has submitted complaints and a memorandum to several state institutions over the price increases.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova