More Anti-Government Protests in Bulgaria

Several thousand people took to the streets of Sofia, the capital, and other cities on Monday, the fourth day of demonstrations demanding that the government resign over the appointment of Delyan Peevski, who has no experience in security, as the head of Bulgaria's national security agency, the Associated Press reported.

Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski, whose government came to power two weeks ago, said the legislature's appointment, made on Friday after no debate, was a mistake, and that he will consult with the public before a new security chief is appointed.

Citing the protests, Peevski announced Saturday that he will resign. Oresharski said Monday that he has accepted that, but the final decision is Parliament's.

On Monday, several thousand people rallied in front of government headquarters in Sofia to demand the government step down. Police stepped-up security, cordoning off the building with metal barriers, but the demonstrations have been peaceful.

Many of the protesters said they have had enough of the "behind-the-scenes" deals involving politicians and powerful businessmen they accuse of corruption. The demonstrators demanded early elections now.