In Sofia around 10 activists gathered as a part of the global day of action for free education. The action was organized from "Priziv za obrazovanie" (www.priziv.org) together with some activists from indymedia bulgaria (bulgaria.indymedia.org).

The idea was to inform the students about the current situation, trends etc.., as well as that to attempt to connect the domestic level with the international.

Basically on the 5th of Nov 2008, the activists gathered around 8:00 am in the centre of the city and spent the day distributing info (talking with students, spreading leaflets and so on) around various universities in Sofia. Most of the students were a bit shocked, nevertheless most were really positive about the idea that the education should be free. There were one or two conservative students that were saying that they are very enthusiastic about privatization of education, but they looked odd in comparison to the rest.

I believe the action showed that there are some potentials, still apathy is what prevails.

Few words for the context on the situation here: In Bulgaria there is no real student movement fighting against commercialization of the education system. On the other hand the State is pushing really strongly very hardcore neo-liberal policies. The university space is becoming quickly and heavily commodified on many levels. For example: being used as a place to promote commercial brands; less and less resources for critical academic studies (those are almost non-existent around here) or also for programmes that are not profitable (like theoretical physics for example), more and more resources for right-wing conservative shit or stuff that is supported by the private sector (IT, business studies and so on).... i can go on for a lot more like that.

Legallywise the State is supposed to provide free education for everyone. At least according to the Constitution, but there is a contradiction with the law. Nevetheless it is not possible to go to court if the Constitution is not observed, since it is only governmental institutions that are able to file a trial in the constitutional court.

At the same time the official student union seems to be totally co-opted and working together with those in power.The only organized students group that is radically against fees, commercialization of the education system and so on is "Priziv za obrazovanie" (www.priziv.org). It constists of both pupils and university students and its been around for about an year now. People seem serious, nevertheless it is tough for them in the general context of strong apathia, lack of belief of the possibility of alteration of the decisions of those in power, rise of conservative ideologies and so on.

more info on: www.priziv.org ; bulgaria.indymedia.org