SOFIA — Tensions flared in Sofia’s “Zaharna Fabrika” neighborhood on Tuesday as displaced residents staged a protest outside the Ilinden district administration building, accusing local authorities of failing to provide shelter following the demolition of illegal structures.
The protestors, many of whom belong to the Roma community, voiced concerns over being left homeless and demanded alternative accommodation.
However, Ilinden district mayor Emil Branchevski refuted the allegations, stating that the administration had acted within the legal framework and had made substantial efforts to provide housing for those affected.
“We followed the municipal Order No. RA-20-89/31.10.2016, which mandates the removal of unsafe, illegally constructed buildings on public land,” said Branchevski.
“These structures were in a critical state, posing a serious risk to the health and safety of occupants. Their removal was necessary to prevent a potential tragedy.”
Branchevski stressed that the district did not simply enforce the demolition but also ensured that vulnerable residents were accommodated.
According to him, six families were placed in municipal apartments within the Ilinden district, while nine individuals were housed at the Temporary Accommodation Center in Zaharna Fabrika.
One family was provided shelter in a child protection facility, two individuals were admitted to healthcare institutions, and several elderly residents were accommodated in specialized care homes.
“All placements were made within Ilinden,” the mayor emphasized. “None of the affected individuals were relocated to other parts of Sofia.”
Despite these efforts, some residents reportedly refused the housing options offered, even rejecting them on national television. Others requested help in securing private rentals, to which the administration agreed to lend support.
“We are trying to meet their needs where possible, even though the law does not obligate us to do so,” Branchevski said.
The situation has also drawn the attention of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), which issued interim measures to halt the demolitions following a petition by the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee.
However, Branchevski questioned the legitimacy of the petition, claiming that many of those listed in the ECHR complaint did not have official address registration in Zaharna Fabrika.
Adding to the controversy, officials from the neighboring Kremikovtsi and Lyulin districts have publicly stated they will not accept the relocated residents, deepening the concerns of marginalization and discrimination.
While the municipal order does not mandate the provision of housing to residents of illegal structures, Branchevski argued that the administration chose a path of “responsibility and humanity.” He acknowledged the complex social dimensions of the issue but stood firm on the need to uphold legal and safety standards.
In his concluding remarks, the mayor urged both institutions and media outlets to maintain objectivity and refrain from politicizing the situation. “This is not just about enforcement—it’s a matter of public interest and safety,” he said.
As the debate continues, the incident underscores the enduring tensions between urban development, legal enforcement, and the rights of marginalized communities in Bulgaria’s capital.