'Provocations Expected' at Thursday Protest in Sofia

Bulgaria's Interior Ministry has warned of reports that "acts of provocation" should be expected at a nationwide protest due Thursday in the capital Sofia.

"We have received information about prepared provocations during the so-called "national protests, with part of the information being confirmed by such communication that is see in social media. We also have data about members of different football supporters' groups belonging to different sport clubs who received offers... both in the capital [and] in the country," the head of the National Police Directorate with the Interior Ministry has told the Bulgarian National Radio.

Dubbed "National Strike - We Are Here" and organized under the slogan "Bulgaria Enters Sofia!", is schedule for 15:00 local time (EET).

On its Facebook page, where some 2 800 people are said to be "Going" and 4 400 "Interested", the faces of Vasil Levski and Hristo Botev, Bulgaria's most beloved national heroes from the years prior to the liberation from Ottoman rule in the 19th century, can be seen as cover photos.

The demonstration is supposedly targeting the entire political class, and has enjoyed substantial support from certain news websites promoting nationalism and to send a message to politicians: "Enough with Fear! You Lie, Plunder and Steal - it's time for you to foot the bill!"

According to their Facebook page, protesters will be calling for radical reforms including taking to court all politicians in Bulgaria of the past 26 years, the expulsion of all migrants, free healthcare and education, boosting employment, a increase in the minimum salary (more than two times) and pension (nearly four times), and a thaw with Russia.

"An increase in the number of Bulgarian goods in shops...