Uniformed and civilian workers from the Bulgarian Interior Ministry recently gathered for a protest near the Bulgarian Parliament in a display of solidarity and support for Caretaker Interior Minister Kalin Stoyanov. In a demonstration of frustration over the continual reassignments that follow each shift, the protesters made their voices heard, emphasizing their discontent with the perceived misuse of the police force and refuting allegations regarding a lack of performance by the police during the elections.
Lachezar Kolev, a member of the Security Police, vocalized the exasperation felt by many present at the protest, highlighting concerns about the constant rotations and the apprehension it instills. He dismissed assertions that the police force had failed to fulfill its duties during the recent elections, underscoring the weariness among the officers. The protesters expressed their unwavering support for Minister Stoyanov, echoing his sentiments in questioning the validity of claims made by certain politicians regarding electoral malpractice.
Despite the legal restrictions that prohibit officers from engaging in protests, the gathering outside the Parliament continued as Minister Kalin Stoyanov made his entrance, with police vehicles sounding their sirens in a symbolic act. Stoyanov himself weighed in on the ongoing discourse, challenging the figures and accusations put forth by politicians regarding the alleged buying of votes and the loss of hundreds of thousands of votes. The demonstration and Stoyanov's questioning of the narrative surrounding the elections exemplified the deepening political tensions in Bulgaria and the growing support for the Caretaker Interior Minister among Interior Ministry employees.