Bulgarian farmers continue protest against cheap imports from Ukraine
Farmers demand resignation of agricultural minister, block roads, disrupt traffic with heavy machinery because of government's insufficient support
Farmers gather to stage protest against the government's agricultural policies in Sofia, Bulgaria on February 13, 2024.
BELGRADE, Serbia
Bulgarian farmers and workers in the agricultural sector continued nationwide protests Tuesday to express dissatisfaction with the government's agricultural policy.
Representatives from 26 small- and medium-sized organizations gathered in front of the government building in the capital Sofia where they demanded the resignation of Agriculture Minister Kiril Vitev.
Demonstrators spilled milk on the ground and carried signs that read: "Resign."
Farmers temporarily blocked traffic with heavy machinery at 21 points across the country.
The government has allocated €76 million ($81.8 million) in support of the agricultural sector for the first half of 2024.
But the sector’s workers find the amount insufficient.
Protesters, mostly fruit and vegetable producers and breeders, argued that their losses are increasing because of cheap product imports from Ukraine due to Russia's war that country.
