Bulgarian Farmers Rally Against Government's Agricultural Policies

In Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, hundreds of farmers protested on Monday, denouncing what they perceive as the government's failure to address the challenges facing the agricultural sector, according to the Associated Press (AP).

The demonstrators demanded Agriculture Minister Kiril Vatev's resignation, citing unmet promises to alleviate administrative burdens and seek compensation for rising costs and declining incomes. I Photo: Ministry of Food and Agriculture

The demonstrators demanded Agriculture Minister Kiril Vatev's resignation, citing unmet promises to alleviate administrative burdens and seek compensation for rising costs and declining incomes.

Similar to protests across Europe, Bulgarian farmers voiced frustration over EU regulations, increased costs due to the conflict in Ukraine, surging fertilizer and energy prices, and the influx of imported farm products.

Ventsislav Varbanov, chair of the Association of Agricultural Producers, criticized the government for imposing additional burdens on farmers and failing to protect their interests against cheaper imports from Ukraine amid the conflict.

He emphasized the need for budget guarantees to offset losses incurred due to the war.

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