Bulgarian citizens from Blagoevgrad region have lifted the blockade on the E-79 road to Greece they imposed earlier Sunday to protest a presidential veto on the new Bulgarian Forestry Act.

Citizens of local Simitli, Bansko, Razlog and Dobrinishte towns said that the new legislation creates more favorable conditions for business and tourism.

But the new Forestry Act is seen as being done under pressure from notorious businessman Tseko Minev, who has a large stake in Bulgaria's skiing business.

This led to large-scale protests in capital Sofia that blocked central Eagles Bridge intersection and led to a veto on the part of President Rosen Plevneliev.

The center right GERB government of PM Boyko Borisov has however vowed to push again the legislation through Parliament, implicitly supporting protests by municipalities.

"The presidential veto hampers the development of small mountain municipalities," argued Filip Tsanov, head of the "Nature for People and Regions" coalition, known to be funded by Tseko Minev.

Protesters have now left the E-79 road, but have stressed that further road blockades are in store if their demands are not met.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!