Bulgaria Students Strike Over Elections
- Share via
SOFIA, Bulgaria — Students formed a human chain around Sofia University today and declared a strike over alleged government manipulation of what were billed as Bulgaria’s first free elections in 58 years.
The long-ruling Communists, who have renamed themselves the Socialist Party as they strive to break with a repressive past, appeared headed for a decisive victory in Sunday’s elections.
Leaders of the 16-party Union of Democratic Forces claim a series of election irregularities affected the outcome of Sunday’s first round of balloting.
They rejected the Socialists’ offer to join a governing coalition, and about 60,000 opposition supporters staged a protest rally Monday night.
“Down with the Red Mafia” and “We won’t work for the Reds,” they shouted. Today, demonstrations forced the closure of several downtown roads.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
