Bulgarian Anti-Corruption Protester, Self-Immolator Died 1 Year Ago
Plamen Goranov, who became known as the Bulgarian Jan Palach, died one year ago.
Bulgarians across the country will hold vigils Thursday night in honor of the young man who fatally set himself on fire in Varna in February to protest against the links between the city council and the mafia.
The vigils, scheduled for 6 pm in the capital Sofia and the coastal cities of Varna and Burgas, will mark forty days since Plamen Goranov’s death in accordance with Christian Orthodox traditions.
When the 36-year-old artist, climber and environmentalist, set himself on fire in the center of Bulgaria's sea capital Varna, scene of the biggest rallies of anti-government protesters in recent months, Bulgaria was jolted like never before.
The days before his dramatic act Plamen was a regular demonstrator at the mass protests, sparked by excessive utility bills, but later morphing into political protests, forcing Varna mayor to resign.
The rallies were especially strong in the coastal Varna, where the local government is believed to be fully controlled by the local organized-crime-group-turned-business-corporation, known as TIM.
"Down with TIM!," Plamen Goranov chanted as he addressed one of the rallies, the 30 000-strong pulsating crowd taking up his call.
While struggling with severe burns that had left healthy skin only on his feet the young man became known as Bulgaria's Jan Palach, the Prague student, whose death in flames sparked the hope of a whole nation back in 1969.
Just like Jan Palach, Plamen did not live to see his dream come true – he died in hospital from severe burns and organ failure on March 3, just two days before Varna controversial mayor Kiril Yordanov quit under the immense public pressure.
His painful death and political gesture fueled talk of the "Bulgarian spring", like the ones in Tunisia and Egypt where hundreds of people sacrificed their lives to overthrow the hated policies.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
Overnight, rainfall across the country will temporarily cease, with some areas experiencing breaks in the clouds
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning regarding the spread of bird flu (H5N1) to various species, including humans, expressing deep concern over its impact and potential consequences
Today marks the commemoration of the holy martyr Victor, celebrated by Christians worldwide
Seventh-grader Kaloyan Geshev from Sofia's 125 SU "Boyan Penev" school has once again showcased his remarkable talent in speed calculation, clinching the title of three-time champion in mental math
Overnight, the precipitation zone will gradually shift eastward, with significant amounts expected in parts of Central and Eastern Bulgaria, accompanied by thunderstorms
Architects Martin Hristov and Galina Baleva, who have crafted the design, revealed that a novel central bus station in Varna is scheduled to be inaugurated in late May
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022