SOFIA, Bulgaria – Public discontent over soaring food prices is mounting as Bulgarian civil movements gear up for a second nationwide boycott of retail chains on February 20.
The protest follows the remarkable success of the first boycott on February 13, which resulted in a nearly 30% drop in sales and inflicted an estimated loss of 8 million leva in a single day.
Major supermarket chains reacted swiftly by slashing prices, offering discounts of up to 50% on select essential goods, an acknowledgment of consumer dissatisfaction.
According to Maya Manolova from the political party “Stand Up.BG,” the first boycott proved that the government recognizes the need to regulate trade markups on basic food items. “This is a victory for Bulgarian citizens.
The authorities now admit that excessive food prices are a problem that can be tackled through legislative measures,” Manolova stated.
Activists Demand Stronger Government Action
Velizar Enchev, one of the key organizers of the boycott, emphasized that this is only the beginning. While the government has proposed capping retail markups at 30%, Enchev argues that this measure is inadequate.
“We need a comprehensive policy to ensure fair pricing for essential goods like flour, dairy, and meat. A broader legislative approach is necessary to prevent retail monopolies from exploiting consumers,” he said.
The Initiative Committee for the Boycott is planning further action, including mass protests on February 20.
Notably, these demonstrations will coincide with similar movements across Europe, including protests in Croatia against banking practices and in Greece against food price hikes.
Enchev urged Bulgarians to join the boycott and continue exerting pressure on the government.
Government and Consumer Groups React
The impact of the boycott has resonated beyond consumers, drawing political attention. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov acknowledged the significant drop in retail turnover, signaling that the government is taking the issue seriously.
“The pressure from civil society has forced the government to discuss potential solutions,” Enchev said. “February 13 was a day that proved the power of collective action.”
Consumer advocacy groups have also expressed support for continued activism. Emil Georgiev of the Federation of Consumers in Bulgaria praised the boycott’s turnout, calling for consumers to support small neighborhood stores as a way to counteract the dominance of large retail chains.
Dimitrina Ruseva from “The System is Killing Us” stressed the importance of unity, arguing that Bulgarians must stand firm against exploitative pricing. “If we fail to protect something as basic as bread, we are failing our nation,” she warned.
A Call for Legislative Change
Maya Manolova believes the initial success of the boycott has already shifted government rhetoric but warned that continued public pressure is necessary.
“The government has finally admitted that food price inflation is an issue. Now, we must ensure that these admissions translate into concrete legislative action,” she said.
Petyo Dafinkichev, chairman of the Bulgarian Pensioners’ Union, compared the boycott to a “small revolution” and insisted that major retailers must understand the determination of Bulgarian consumers. “They need to know that we will not accept unjustified price hikes,” he asserted.
As the February 20 protest approaches, the Initiative Committee is urging the National Assembly to take immediate legislative action. With tensions rising, the coming days could prove crucial in shaping the future of food pricing regulations in Bulgaria.
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