2013 Bulgarian protests against the first Borisov cabinet
The 2013 Bulgarian protests against the first Borisov cabinet were civil demonstrations against high electricity and hot water bills resulting from monopolism in the sphere that began in Blagoevgrad on 28 January 2013, and subsequently spread to over 30 cities in Bulgaria that ended with the resignation of the Boyko Borisov government on 20 February 2013. They were caused by abnormally high electricity bills, but later turned into a mass non-partisan movement against the government and the political system. The events were marked by seven self-immolations (five of them fatal), spontaneous demonstrations and a strong sentiment against political parties.
| 2013 Bulgarian protests against the first Borisov cabinet Протести срещу кабинета "Борисов" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Protest in Sofia, 17 February 2013 | |||
| Date | 28 January 2013 – 16 March 2013 | ||
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| Resulted in | Resignation of the cabinet; Raykov government takes power; early Parliamentary elections; reductions in energy prices; increase in pensions; government support (41 million leva) for the poorest segments of the population | ||
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| Casualties | |||
| Death(s) | 5 | ||
| Injuries | 24 | ||
| Arrested | dozens (according to unofficial estimates), 60+ (based on police sources) | ||
As a result of the demonstrations, the centre-right government of Boyko Borisov resigned and a caretaker cabinet led by Marin Raykov was appointed. The demands of protesters, however, were not addressed, and demonstrations continued throughout the country, calling for a change of the political model and nationalisation of strategic economic sectors.