Thousands of miners and energy workers, members of the two main trade unions in Bulgaria, the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) and the trade union "Podkrepa", gathered in protest. They demanded that Parliament vote to postpone the liberalization of the household electricity market for at least another three years, from 2026 to 2029.
The protesters expressed their concerns about the impact of the green transition on their livelihoods. They argued that the transition is not fair, as laid-off workers are being offered jobs that do not match their skills and are not being paid the promised compensation.
One protester, who works at the Thermal Power Plant 'Bobov Dol', stated that if the coal mines close, the TPPs will also close, leaving them without jobs and alternatives. They also expressed worry for the 160 people who have already been laid off at the Maritsa Iztok TPP.
The protesters believe that the government should provide more support to workers affected by the green transition, ensuring they receive fair compensation and opportunities for retraining in new fields. They also called for a more just and equitable transition plan that considers the needs of all stakeholders.