The Federation of Transport Trade Unions supports the position of CITUB regarding the right to protest and the false claims made.

We publish the full text:

On the occasion of the interview broadcast on March 15, 2026, on Nova TV's "Wake Up" show with Sofia municipal councilors Bonka Vasileva and Vanya Tagareva, in which protest actions of CITUB and the subsequent funding of public transport granted by the government were discussed, we declare that false and misleading claims were made, creating a deliberately distorted perception of the discussions held with the caretaker cabinet and the legitimate trade union actions exercised.

Ms. Tagareva's words that parameters were negotiated "in the dark" at variance with the workers' demands categorically do not correspond to the truth. All actions were carried out within the established legal procedures and under the conditions of an active extending state budget law, which objectively limits the possibilities for spending additional funds.

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

The context must be emphasized again – CITUB's demand for a 5% wage increase was made under the conditions of an extended 2025 budget, in which such funds for state-subsidized enterprises were initially not provided either for the transport sector or for other key structures such as "Bulgarian Posts", BDZ, and NRIC, where protest actions were also held or being prepared. In this sense, the funds secured are the result of consistent trade union pressure and fully lawful actions in defense of the workers. Additionally, it should be clearly emphasized that CITUB's demands for a minimum 10% additional wage increase for the systems will be placed within the procedure for preparing and adopting a regular state budget, when real financial and legal prerequisites exist for sustainable and full-fledged negotiation of such measures.

We categorically reject the claims of backroom deals with the caretaker government and of "using the trade unions" for political purposes. Such speculative accusations made by persons in public and elective offices are unacceptable and represent a discredit to legitimate trade union actions. Such manipulation of public opinion precisely for political goals benefits no one, and we are puzzled by the ease with which it is applied. Moreover – recently there has been a trend of trade unions being dragged into political confrontations. CITUB calls for this to be stopped, 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 Art. 43 of the Constitution, which stipulates that citizens have the right to assemble peacefully and without arms for meetings and demonstrations. This is a fundamental right that can be limited only under strictly defined conditions.

At the same time, Art. 49 of the Constitution guarantees the right of workers and employees 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:
• Art. 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights;
• Art. 12 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;
• Conventions No. 87 and No. 98 of the International Labour Organization, 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 an obligation not only not to restrict it unlawfully, but also to create conditions for its exercise.

In this context, the public dissemination of false claims that suggest illegitimacy of the protests or question their nature represents an unacceptable interference with the exercise of this right.

We draw attention to the fact that such behavior can also have legal consequences under our national legislation. According to Art. 174b of the Penal Code, anyone who unlawfully prevents someone from exercising rights arising from their exercised right of trade union association bears criminal liability, with the law providing for imprisonment of up to 5 years.

When persons holding public and elective offices use national airtime to make false accusations against representatives of the workers, this exceeds the limits of acceptable public debate and directly affects fundamental democratic principles.

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

We demand a correct, facts-based public conversation regarding the remuneration and working conditions of employees in the public transport system, as well as the assumption of responsibility and a public apology from all those who allowed themselves to spread false statements and question the right to protest.