A wave of dissent swept through the streets of Sofia on Monday as citizens gathered in front of the Interior Ministry headquarters, demanding the immediate resignation of outgoing Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov.
The BOEC civil association organised the demonstration with the impassioned slogan “Resignation of Kalin Stoyanov for fair elections!”
Allegations against Stoyanov centre on his purported involvement in vote buying during previous local elections, with protesters presenting concrete evidence of his culpability.
The protest, which attracted a significant crowd, prompted an escalated police presence in the area. Demonstrators voiced their grievances over Stoyanov’s perceived failure to uphold his duties and raised suspicions regarding his alleged affiliations with political parties.
In a striking display of division, another group of citizens congregated in support of the embattled Interior Minister near the ministry premises.
Amid the fervour of the protests, caretaker Prime Minister-designate Dimitar Glavchev sparked controversy by proposing Stoyanov’s retention as Minister of Interior in the draft structure and composition of the Council of Ministers presented on Friday.
This decision elicited widespread criticism, especially in light of recent revelations made by Interior Ministry Secretary General Zhivko Kotsev.
During a joint briefing with outgoing Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov, Kotsev stunned the public by disclosing the circumstances surrounding his earlier resignation.
He asserted that his departure from office had been prompted by intense psychological and moral pressure, allegedly orchestrated by Stoyanov and senior figures within the Prosecution Office.
Denkov, responding decisively to these allegations, referred the matter to prosecutor Daniela Taleva for urgent investigation.
The unfolding events have intensified the political turmoil gripping Bulgaria, with citizens increasingly vocal in their demands for transparency and accountability within governmental institutions.
As the nation grapples with mounting tensions and allegations of misconduct, the fate of Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov hangs precariously in the balance, awaiting the outcome of investigations into the allegations against him.
The protests in Sofia underscore a broader sentiment of disillusionment and distrust among the populace, fueling calls for sweeping reforms and a renewed commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and justice.
With the eyes of the nation fixed on the unfolding drama, the resolve of both protesters and policymakers alike will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of Bulgaria’s political landscape in the days and weeks to come.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members