Emergency services protest in the Southwest: Medics threaten border blockades

Tension in Emergency Services: Medics demand 50% salary increase

Workers in the Emergency Services system in Dupnitsa and the entire Southwest region held a protest organized by the "Zashtita" (Protection) trade union. The main dissatisfaction is directed at working conditions and low pay in the context of the discussions on the 2026 state budget.

"If our demands are not heard, we will move to civil disobedience and block important road arteries," the medics' representatives stated.

Main demands of the protesters:

• 50% increase in monthly salaries;
• Updating of daily food vouchers;
• Change in the labor category for emergency medics.

The disgruntled employees warned that if there is no dialogue with the authorities, even a blockade of the border crossing with Greece is possible. The wave of discontent in the sector continues to grow, with protests spreading to more and more branches across the country.