Bulgaria: Protests of Taxi Drivers Block the Country

Taxi drivers across Bulgaria will stage a nationwide protest today, expressing outrage over the sharp rise in "Civil Liability" insurance premiums. They claim the increase is both drastic and illegal, accusing insurers of operating as a cartel. Representatives of the industry have engaged with institutions and political parties, seeking intervention.

In Sofia, the protest will involve three convoys. The first will begin at 10 a.m. from the corner of Tsaritsa Joanna Blvd. and Louis Pasteur St. Two other protests will start at 11 a.m., departing from Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd. and Botevgradsko Shose Blvd., respectively. Although traffic will not be fully blocked, disruptions are bound to happen across the capital as all three groups will converge in front of the National Assembly. Simultaneous protests will occur in over 30 cities nationwide, significantly impacting local transportation.

Krasimir Tsvetkov, chairman of the National Taxi Union, highlighted the financial burden on the industry, noting that insurance premiums have risen by 200% to 1,100%. He cited an example of his hybrid car, where the premium surged from 386 leva to over 1,000 leva, with some companies demanding more than 3,000 leva. The increase, he argued, is unsustainable for an industry where a single vehicle often supports one or two families.

Tsvetkov described the price hike as resembling a cartel agreement, alleging violations of competition law. He criticized the silence of key institutions, including the Commission for the Protection of Competition, the Financial Supervision Commission, and the prosecutor's office, despite clear signs of irregularities. He also dismissed insurers' claims that taxis are disproportionately involved in accidents, emphasizing that the...