Bulgaria Students Blockade Uni to Demand Political Clean-Up

A small group of Bulgarian students occupied the largest university in Sofia Saturday, demanding the resignation of the Socialist-backed government and an end to corruption in politics.

Around 70 students hunkered down inside the university's main building in downtown Sofia, blocking entrances and hanging banners inscribed with the word "Occupation" from windows.

"We are ready to maintain the blockade until our demands are met,"Borislav Rangelov, a student leader, told Bulgarian television.

The students issued a declaration demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski's government, new elections and an end to what they said was impunity for top officials.

Rector Ivan Ilchev said the university management "understands the students' actions as a reaction to the lack of morals in political life and the absence of concern for the future of the young people."

Ilchev however urged the protesters to lift the blockade and allow the university's 14,000 students to attend classes.

A string of protests against poverty and corruption led to the February resignation of the conservative government but its successor has faced continued wrath from the street.

Student demonstrations played a key role in protest movements that forced out two other governments in 1990 and 1997.