Record Winter Tourism Numbers Reported in Bansko
Bansko, Bulgaria's premier mountain resort, experienced a surge in winter tourism, with more than 190,000 visitors flocking to its slopes during the season
Scores of Bulgarian citizens have gathered with candles in front of the Ministry of Environment in Sofia Monday evening to show their concern over possible development in the Pirin National Park.
Tuesday the ministry will consider a petition by residents of Bansko, Bulgaria's top winter resort, for an expansion of ski facilities and hotels in the area of the national park.
The proposals will touch close to 65% of the park's area, say environmentalists, who believe that Bansko is already overdeveloped.
Citizens have been long critical of wanton construction in Bansko and the illicit practices of local ski operator Yulen, which has been found to use considerably more land in the protected area than allowed by the government.
Top Bulgarian politicians and persons of state from the ruling GERB party have not hidden their sympathies for the expansion of facilities in Bansko.
At the same time as the vigil Monday, thousands gathered in the center of Sofia to protest ongoing economic stagnation in the country and to call for the resignation of Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov.
Protesters have raised slogans against high prices, low wages, and a perception of implication of those in power with murky economic structures.
Environmentally-concerned citizens have been long drawing attention to Borisov's close relations with Tseko Minev, president of the Bulgarian Ski Federation, who is known to control First Investment Bank, as well as ski operators Yulen and Vitosha Ski.
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Over the next 24 hours, expect cloudy skies with rainfall across the eastern half of the country, where precipitation may be intense in some areas. Meanwhile, the western half will see clouds clearing during the day, becoming mostly sunny
Overnight, rainfall across the country will temporarily cease, with some areas experiencing breaks in the clouds
Overnight, the precipitation zone will gradually shift eastward, with significant amounts expected in parts of Central and Eastern Bulgaria, accompanied by thunderstorms
Romanian media outlets have reported that storm "Renata" has made landfall in Romania, bringing with it strong winds and heavy precipitation. Following two weeks of record high temperatures, the mercury has plummeted by 15-20 degrees Celsius, as reported
The concluded winter presented unusually elevated temperatures and a 'milder' heating season for thousands of Bulgarians
For the past four years, residents of the picturesque village of Brestovitsa in Plovdiv have been grappling with a troubling issue: muddy water contaminated with manganese flowing from their taps
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