At an official meeting held on July 8, 2025, the mayor of Burgas placed a sharp emphasis on the lack of a local anti-discrimination body. The three-year interruption of the regional representation of the Commission for Protection against Discrimination (CPD) is a serious problem for the dynamic Black Sea region.
Dimitar Nikolov emphasized the exceptional importance of quickly appointing a local representative, arguing his position with the limited opportunities for citizens to travel to the capital to protect their rights. Financial and logistical barriers for people who are potential victims of discrimination are a serious challenge.
The newly elected chairwoman Elka Bozhkova took a specific commitment to restore the office in the shortest possible time. She emphasized the existing powers of the institution and its potential to help citizens, while also stressing that the proceedings are completely free of charge.
A key moment in the discussion was the readiness of the municipal leadership to actively assist the Commission. Nikolov firmly stated that work on prevention and counteraction of discrimination is a priority that requires systematic and targeted efforts.
Bozhkova added that the previous activities of the CPD have remained outside public attention, but upcoming steps will change this trend. If necessary, the institution even covers transportation costs for those in need.