Bulgarian Spring?

Mar 04

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Bulgarian Spring?

Man's death gives momentum to widespread protests.

Protesters shout slogans and wave Bulgarian national flags during an anti-monopoly protest in Sofia on March 3, 2013. AFP PHOTO / DIMITAR DILKOFF

A Bulgarian man died on Sunday after setting himself ablaze last week. His death takes place amid protests that have swept across the country in recent weeks. Plamen Goranov is the third person to self-immolate during the demonstrations, which led to the resignation of Prime Minister Boiko Borisov and his center-right government.

View the story "Bulgarian Spring?" on StorifyBulgarian Spring?Man's death gives momentum to widespread protests. Storified by The Stream· Mon, Mar 04 2013 12:16:15bivol.bg

Following his death, vigils were held across the country for Goranov, who has become a symbol of the protests.

BULGARIA-POLITICS-ECONOMY-SOCIAL-DEMONSTRATIONAJstreamVigil for Plamen GoranovAJstreamAs Goranov took his last breaths on Sunday, more than 100,000 Bulgarians took to the streets to protest against poverty, corruption, and the general quality of life in the country. Local media reported the largest protest took place in Varna, Goranov's city, which had between 50,000 and 70,000 people in attendance.Varna protest 03. 03. 2013 Horo!sarcazmonVarna, Bulgaria 12:00 03.03.2013 year - Protests on the national celebration day!36apPqprzp8KpixS_KeZGgThe now nationwide demonstrations were prompted by a small youth protest against high electricity bills.#Bulgaria economic protests spread across the country! Even small towns like Botevgrad witness historic protests! http://botevgrad.com/news/46550/Nad-1-500-choveka-se-sabraha-na-grajdanskiya-protest-v-Botevgrad/Mariya Petkova"#Bulgaria angry over poverty, corruption 90k protest in over dozen cities" http://revolution-news.com/?p=1392 #Varna http://pic.twitter.com/EkuVpU7ehU v @newsrevoHeather MarshPrime Minister Borisov will remain in office until an interim government is appointed, most likely next week, which will bring Bulgaria to its May 12 election.