'Let the prices here be normal too!' - Bikers block Sofia roads as mandatory insurance costs surge 80% despite cheaper rates across EU

"Motorcyclists blocked roads in Sofia on Friday to protest a sharp rise in mandatory third-party liability insurance premiums, with some two-wheeler owners seeing costs rise by more than 80 percent. Footage shows bikers gathered at the rally, revving engines, with a sign reading 'We are not sheep!' Protesters blamed the introduction of the euro for the price surge, calling it speculation and a violation of EU law, and pointed to significantly lower premiums elsewhere. "We will start taking out insurance in several EU countries. In France, for example, insurance is 5 EUR (5.8 USD) per month. In Poland, it is 60 EUR (69.7 USD) per year," said demonstrator Svilen. He persisted, "Customer rights that are common practice throughout Europe are being taken away from us in Bulgaria. We want the European law to be respected and people who have violated this law to face sanctions." Another protester, Yanko, shared the sentiment. "Why should we do insurance in other countries? Other companies will profit instead of our Bulgarian ones. Let the prices here be normal European ones too!" Demonstrators warned of further disruption if authorities failed to act. "If we are not heard, there will be chaos. We are super united across the country. There is hardly a more united community than us. We can do and cause a lot of things," said Stefan. Similar protests were held simultaneously in dozens of cities, including Sofia, Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, Montana, Silistra, Stara Zagora and Sliven. Organisers said they would extend road blockades if their demands went unmet."

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