Citizens of Smolyan block the road in protest against the cutting of 40 decares of forest for a photovoltaic park and the risk of an ecological catastrophe

The uprising in Smolyan (Смолян)

Angel Georgiev (Ангел Георгиев) shows the tension in the Ustovo neighborhood (квартал Устово) in the city of Smolyan (Смолян). Citizens organize a mass protest against the local authorities’ intention to build a photovoltaic park. The project threatens 40 decares of forest that the municipality plans to cut down. People take to the streets carrying Bulgarian flags and handmade placards. They express their dissatisfaction with corruption, which they believe places private interests above the public good. The march heads toward the planned construction site. Participants are adamant that they will not allow the destruction of nature.

The lie of the “urbanized territory”

The mayor of Smolyan (Смолян) claims that the site is not a forest but is classified as an “urbanized territory.” Angel Georgiev (Ангел Георгиев) refutes this claim directly from the scene. The camera shows dense vegetation and trees aged between 50 and 55 years. They are firmly rooted in the rocky soil. Protesters accuse the mayor of having a “blurred vision” due to corrupt practices. They point out the obvious discrepancy between the administrative status of the land and the on-the-ground reality.

Danger to infrastructure and the tunnel

The site designated for the photovoltaic panels is located on a steep slope directly above the road tunnel. Local residents warn of the risk of an ecological catastrophe and landslides. The trees currently stabilize the rocks and retain water. Their removal will release the rocky mass. During torrential rains, water and stones will slide directly onto the road and into the tunnel. The construction of the tunnel itself in the past faced serious difficulties precisely because of groundwater in this karst region. Destroying the forest will compromise the structure and endanger passing vehicles.

Economic unsustainability and demographics

The mayor promises revenues to the municipal treasury from rents amounting to between 1,000 and 2,000 euros per month. Angel Georgiev (Ангел Георгиев) describes this sum as negligible for a regional center like Smolyan (Смолян). In his view, in exchange for this money citizens receive an “ecological bomb.” The construction of the park will devalue the properties of people living just dozens of meters from the site. Noise and an industrial landscape will drive residents away. This will deepen the demographic crisis in a region already suffering from depopulation.

Blockade and institutional deafness

Angel Georgiev (Ангел Георгиев) reveals that he attempted to raise the issue in the National Assembly (Народното събрание). The governing majority rejects the request for a hearing and refuses to include the topic on the agenda. The lack of responsiveness from institutions radicalizes the protest. Citizens symbolically block the road and chant “Victory.” Some of those present declare readiness for armed resistance to defend their homes and nature. The organizers promise daily actions until the project is completely halted.