Some 2 000 Interior Ministry employees have gathered outside the National Theater in central Sofia to register their anti-government protest.

They are angry with the anti-crisis measures proposed by the Bulgarian government, which include measures to make civil servants pay their social and health insurances directly out of their pay packets.

The proposal, they have pointed out, will, in effect, considerably reduce their regular income.

The union that represents the police has also called for uniform treatment of all Interior Ministry employees, for a real and effective dialog with their management, and for administrative reform across the board.

Protesters greeted the Interior Minister, Tsvetan Tsvetanov, who had insisted he would be present to support his employees, with hissing and booing.

Tsvetanov was not allowed to address the protestors directly, but told the media: "Let's be realistic, I think there must be an understanding that today the state is unable to secure higher wages."

However, he also said that he would try to preserve benefits for police officers, if it became obligatory for them to pay their own insurances.

"I understand that it is difficult today to speak with them because there is too much emotion," said the Minister, adding that, despite everything negotiations with the police and fire fighters' unions would continue over the next few days

Meanwhile, in the Black Sea city of Varna, a small protest by a couple of hundred naval personnel registered a peaceful protest outside their headquarters, to draw attention to the proposed withdrawal of benefits.

Their demonstration had the full support of the Bulgarian Defense Minister, Anyu Angelov.

The navy staff, from officers to ratings, smoked cigarettes and drank water in symbolic protest at the reduction f benefits which, they claim, would reduce their monthly income by some BGN 150.

"As a Bulgarian officer, in order to maintain my standard of living, I must take out loans, and with these eventual changes the life of my family will become even more difficult," said Captain Luben Yankov.

He added that he did not believe the words of the Defense Minister, who had earlier stated that military staff would be compensated for any withdrawal of benefits.