File photo by Sofia Photo Agency
Over 58 000 Bulgarians have joined an online petition in favor of keeping the existing full smoking ban in enclosed public spaces in the country.
The petition, which was initially launched in December 2012, was revived last week by widespread reports that the new Socialist-led government would ease the ban that was introduced one year ago.
On May 28, the nationalist Ataka (Attack) party proposed legislative amendments that would ease the full smoking ban. The move triggered a surge of interest on the petition, with over 23 000 people signing it in just two days.
Two small rallies in favor of the existing full smoking ban were staged last week in downtown Sofia. A new protest is expected to take place this weekend.