NATFIZ students protest in Sofia demanding Rector's resignation

Students and faculty from the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (NATFIZ) in Sofia held a protest demanding the resignation of Rector Miroslav Dachev. The demonstrators marched from the Academy to the Ministry of Education and Science, temporarily blocking major streets including Georgi S. Rakovski Street and Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard.

The protesters are seeking transparency regarding the Academy’s involvement in the European FilmEU alliance. They have raised concerns over a procedure to remove the Academy, the potential financial consequences, and the risk to NATFIZ’s participation in the Erasmus+ program. Additionally, students cited institutional pressure, a lack of involvement in decision-making, and unjustified increases in electricity bills at student dormitories as primary grievances.

The demonstrators have addressed letters to Prime Minister Rumen Radev, the National Assembly, and the Council of Rectors, citing serious questions regarding institutional governance at the Academy.