FTTU supports the position of CITUB regarding the right to protest and the false statements made!

Federation of Transport and Trade Unions supports CITUB's position regarding the right to protest and the made false statements.

We publish the full text:

Regarding the broadcasted interview on March 15, 2026, in the program "Wake Up" on Nova TV with Sofia city councilors Bonka Vasileva and Vanya Tagareva, in which protest actions of CITUB and the subsequently provided government funding for urban transport were discussed, we declare that false and misleading claims were made, creating a deliberately distorted view of the negotiations with the interim cabinet and the lawful trade union actions undertaken.

The statements made by Ms. Tagareva that "in the dark" parameters were negotiated, contrary to the workers' demands, are categorically untrue. All actions were conducted within the established legal procedures under the current budget extender law, which objectively limits the possibilities for spending additional resources.

The facts are clear and verifiable: a total of 8.3 million euros (5.6 million euros plus an additional 2.7 million euros) was provided by a decree of the Council of Ministers, not just the publicly stated 5.6 million euros. Therefore, claims of a "shortfall" with respect to the agreed 5% increase are incorrect and misleading.

It should be emphasized again the context - CITUB's request for a 5% salary increase was made under the conditions of the extended 2025 budget, where initially, such funds for state-subsidized enterprises were not foreseen either for the transport sector or other key structures such as "Bulgarian Posts", BDZ, and NKJI, where protest actions were also conducted or prepared. In this sense, the provided funds result from consistent trade union pressure and fully legal actions in defense of the working people. It should also be clearly emphasized that CITUB's demands for a minimum 10% additional salary increase for the systems will be made within the framework of the procedure for drafting and adopting a regular state budget, where there are real financial and legal grounds for sustainable and full negotiation of such measures.

We categorically reject the claims of behind-the-scenes deals with the interim government and the "use of trade unions" for political purposes. Such speculative accusations, made by public and elected officials, are unacceptable and represent a discredit to legitimate trade union actions. This manipulation of public opinion precisely for political purposes is of no benefit to anyone, and we are puzzled by the ease with which it is applied. Moreover, there is a growing trend of trade unions being drawn into political confrontations. CITUB calls for this to stop as such an approach is not in the interest of working people.

It is particularly concerning that this narrative affects the exercise of fundamental rights. We recall that the right to protest in the Republic of Bulgaria is explicitly guaranteed by article 43 of the Constitution, which states that citizens have the right to assemble peacefully and without arms for meetings and demonstrations. This is a fundamental right that can only be restricted under strictly defined conditions.

At the same time, article 49 of the Constitution guarantees workers and employees the right to associate in trade union organizations to protect their interests, including through collective actions and protests.

At the international level, these rights are further protected by:
• Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights;
• Article 12 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;
• ILO Conventions No. 87 and No. 98, which guarantee freedom of association and the right to collective action.

The practice of the European Court of Human Rights is categorical that the right to peaceful protest is an essential element of any democratic society, and the state has a duty not only to refrain from unduly restricting it but also to create conditions for its exercise.

In this context, the public dissemination of false statements suggesting the illegitimacy of the protests or questioning their nature constitutes an unacceptable interference with the exercise of this right.

We emphasize that such behavior could also have legal consequences under our national legislation. According to article 174b of the Penal Code, anyone who unlawfully impedes someone from exercising rights deriving from their right to union association bears criminal responsibility, with the law providing for imprisonment of up to 5 years.

When individuals holding public and elected positions use national airwaves to make false accusations against representatives of workers, this exceeds the boundaries of permissible public debate and directly affects fundamental democratic principles.

We categorically state that CITUB will not allow the organization's name to be used in political confrontations, including within the framework of the Sofia Municipal Council.

We insist on a correct, fact-based public discussion regarding the remuneration and working conditions of employees in the urban transport system and for taking responsibility and public apology from all those who permitted themselves to spread false statements and question the right to protest.