Caravan From Capital Joins Bulgaria Protest

With horns honking and flags waving, 200 people from the capital of Sofia on Saturday joined residents here who have been blocking roads and rail lines as part of a nationwide bid to unseat the government.

The crowd of about 1,000 exploded in cheers at the sight of the caravan filled with supporters.

Sofia residents also showed their support Saturday at the opposition rally that has been a daily feature in the capital for the last 26 days. About 10,000 people chanted “Heroes! Heroes!” referring to the blockade in Dupnitsa, 38 miles to the south.

Across the nation, in demonstrations and strikes, Bulgarians have been demanding early elections for weeks, blaming the ruling Socialists for the erosion of the economy through inflation, which rose to 300 percent last year.