Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva is working with the education ministry to find a way to cut the cost of one-day trips for kindergartens and schools. Parents should be able to choose between several offers, she told Bulgarian National Television (BNT) on the show "The Day Begins".

On 19 October Delcheva asked for a check on prices and wrote to four institutions, including the education and tourism ministers. She says she has received many complaints.

What happened before: Ombudsman asks for checks on prices of one-day school trips

A one-day trip to a place near Sofia usually costs between €45 and €60. A trip to Zheleznitsa, for example, costs €60.

"Parents cannot be blackmailed like this. Only a few firms offer such trips," the ombudsman told BNT.

Tour operators say the price covers bus fuel, pay for the driver and teaching staff, and extra travel insurance for all pupils. Delcheva says this is not a good enough explanation.

She believes parents should not be given just one offer and feel pressed to let their child take part. The trips have educational aims and matter for children's social development, she says.

"I can imagine how a child feels when all the other children go on a trip and they can't," Delcheva added.

The ombudsman wants a quick solution. She expects "a radical solution" from the education ministry, or criteria for choosing the firms, with parents helping to choose if needed. The ministry, and the transport ministry if necessary, should sit down with her and settle the issue.

The ombudsman has also received reports about access to polling stations for people with disabilities. Delcheva recommended that the Central Election Commission check the polling station commissions (SIK) and send them extra instructions.

She says the issue is not only whether there are stairs. A person in a wheelchair needs room in the polling station to turn around, move up to the voting machine, vote and go back. Their companion must be able to stay close if needed.

Mobile polling stations remain an option, but older people also need easier entry, Delcheva says. She says more effort is needed to help people with sight and hearing problems vote, especially as turnout is low on Sunday.

Delcheva expects problems with the district heating company Toplofikatsia to continue. She asked the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission to order compensation and penalties for customers in areas where repairs are still under way.