Bulgaria: Thousands protest electricity price hike in Sofia

An estimated 6,000 protesters marched through Sofia under the slogan “we protest today, so that we can work tomorrow" on Wednesday, to protest against the government's plans to increase electricity prices. Due to come into force on August 1, more than 1,000 companies have given their backing to the protests. The group gathered at the Council of Ministers building and marched to the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission, before stopping outside Parliament. The movement is also calling for the implementation of the so-called “duty to society” tax to be postponed until at least 2016. The bill is said to be aimed at helping to introduce savings to the energy sector and decrease the deficit of the National Electricity Company (NEK). Several companies and unions have threatened to withdraw labour until their demands are met. Similar protests also occured in some 29 towns and cities across Bulgaria.