Bulgarian PM Endorses 2nd Gondola Lift in Bansko

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov has declared his support for the potential construction of a second gondola lift in the mountain resort of Bansko.

Borisov, who met with representatives of environmental organizations on Tuesday, said that he was "convinced" that the resort needs a second gondola lift.

It was made clear on Tuesday that the Mayor of Bansko had submitted an investment declaration for the construction of a second gondola lift and the expansion of the resort's ski runs with the Ministry of Environment and Water.

Borisov's ruling center-right GERB party has vehemently supported the expansion of Bansko, with the likes of Deputy Prime Minister Tsvetan Tsvetanov, Economy Minister Delyan Dobrev and Parliament Speaker Tsetska Tsacheva taking a stance on the issue.

Residents of Bansko have blocked local roads several times with demands for further ski tracks and resort facilities. Tsvetanov also took part in one of their protests.

However, opposers to projects for ski facilities expansion have argued that Bansko is already overdeveloped, with excessive amounts of hotel beds and ski runs that have already harmed the nearby Pirin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bansko's main ski and tourist operator, Yulen, is known to be held by Tseko Minev, who also owns Vitosha Ski and First Investment Bank, chairs the Bulgarian Ski Federation, and is known to be close to Borisov.