National Union ‘Zashchita’ to protest at Bulgarian Ministry of Health

The National Union ‘Zashchita’ has announced the establishment of a tent camp in front of the Ministry of Health starting October 1, 2026. The union is demanding the resignation of Health Minister Katya Ivkova due to a perceived lack of social dialogue and unresolved systemic issues.

The union’s demands include increased wages, improved working conditions, higher food voucher amounts, changes to labor categories, and effective measures to combat aggression against emergency medical teams. Protesters also criticized a planned ‘administrative reform’ within Emergency Medical Assistance Centers (CSMP), which they claim involves the unlawful dismissal of 220 employees without required consultations.

Union representatives have expressed frustration over a six-month lack of response to their concerns and criticized the ministry’s focus on minor changes, such as uniform colors, while failing to address significant budgetary and structural issues.