Sofia University "Saint Kliment Ohridski" inaugurated the new academic year on October 1 and renewed its claims for higher wages and state subsidies.

"Something must have gone completely wrong if Bulgaria's clever people are forced to go abroad to make a living," the university rector Boyan Biolchev said at the opening, marked by the visible absence of Education Minister Daniel Valchev.

In his speech Biolchev stressed that Bulgaria is at a crossroad now but only for "those that have the eyes to see it".

"I bow my head in respect to the Bulgarian teachers and hope that the national interest will be finally taken into account", he said in support of the thousands of striking teachers, who demand doubled wages.

Sofia University, which is the oldest university in Bulgaria and one of the most prestigious ones, welcomed its students on Monday but plans to cut the school year short a month later should the state fail to guarantee higher subsidies.

The university demands that the state subsidy is increased by 10% to 100% and its budget brought up to BGN 51 M.

The government is expected to prepare the fiscal framework for 2008 in November.

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