First Hand Report

As the protests developed into riots this week, and the Bulgarian government fell, we followed the developments second hand.  Today we bring you a first hand report.  Sasha went downtown to find out for herself what is going on.  Why are the people protesting?  What changes do they want?  What are their concerns?

She came back with a camera full of pictures, and reports of a well organized and peaceful protest.  For this we are very grateful.  Previous demonstrations have turned violent and clashes with police riddled the news reports this past week.  Pictures of bloodied protesters and bombardments of tear gas have been all over the news.  Though the police were present today, there was no clash of forces.  The demonstration today has been peaceful so far.

As Sasha witnessed the parades of protest, the flying flags, and the signs of discontent, there seemed to be a common theme.  The people of Bulgaria want to live normal fair lives.  They are not looking for handouts they are looking for a fair chance to make a good life for themselves.  The protests are primarily against the government produced energy monopoly that has made life quite expensive in Bulgaria.  This is not a protest against one specific party.  It is a protest against a culture of corruption that has lasted for decades.  It is a call to the end of the mafia control of government that has largely replaced the socialist dictatorship that preceded it.

One sign Sasha saw read, "I want to study, work, and live in Bulgaria!"  For years students have graduated and then sought work in other countries.  There has been little desire to live in Bulgaria because there is little opportunity for advancement.  The young people of Bulgaria want to be able to make a life for themselves without having to move abroad.  Political corruption has made this difficult.

Protests have been common around the world in recent years.  In Europe and America there have been protests against certain political parties.  There have been protests against government cuts.  Such protests seem to be childish as the people demand the government to give them something that the country cannot afford.  They are like a teenager throwing a fit because Daddy won't buy her a car.

The protests in Bulgaria are more of a call to get the government out of the way.  To allow freedom for the individual to make his own life without unnecessary government intervention.  It is not a protest against one party.  It is a protest against all political parties.  It is a call for statesmanship on the part of Bulgaria's leaders.

For Sasha this was a powerful event to attend.  She was a teenager when communism fell and did not attend those protests.  It was interesting for her to attend this event and see first hand the changes that are happening in her country.  Time will tell if these changes are good, bad, or neutral.

The atmosphere seemed to be a good one this morning.

The march was all over downtown.  All the major government buildings had protesters in front of them.

Protesters carry a sign asking for a normal life.

The sign reads, "This is not a protest.  This is a process."

Thousands marched on Sofia today.

The flags show that these are people who love Bulgaria.

A police officer watching the protest.  No need for the riot helmet today.