Report from Bulgaria.
In Bulgaria there is a common belief that its citizens aren’t really suited to protest. So why have 200,000 people been demonstrating regularly on the streets of 35 cities since the beginning of February? And why did four people set themselves on fire, two of them dying from their injuries?
One man, 26-year-old Plamen Goranov, has become a symbol of the movement, known as the ‘The Bulgarian Spring’, after he set himself alight to protest against organized crime. He died 11 days later.
The New Internationalist is an independent bi-monthly not-for-profit magazine that reports on action for global justice. We believe in putting people before profit, in climate justice, tax justice, equality, social responsibility and human rights for all.
New Internationalist acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We acknowledge that these lands were stolen and sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present.
© Copyright New Internationalist 1973-2026. Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under Creative Commons.
Except where otherwise noted, images on this site are © the attributed photographer/illustrator or representative agency.