In Bulgaria, a Looming Coal Strike and Political Paralysis

Already mired in a state of political gridlock, the Bulgarian government is now facing increasing pressure from the country's coal sector as well, with looming miner strikes threatening to disrupt Bulgaria's power supplies and the country's critical export revenues. The government wants to avoid a crippling work stoppage and maintain coal exports, so it can be expected to largely meet the demands of miners. Lawmakers also will likely boost populist spending in order to pacify protesters who have been demanding the government's resignation for more than a month. These moves, however, would compound the government's financial troubles over the long term, further complicating its relationships with the European Union and Russia.