Pipeline referendum fails in Burgas

Last Sunday, the residents of the bulgarian city Burgas had a chance to have a say regarding the construction of the Burgas - Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, but only 27 percent of the population took part. And so the referendum against the pipeline failed. Welina Gospodinowa comments: "The referendum took place after the international contract was signed and the launching of the project was set. By law, the referendum would have no juridical impact, so many people simply waived the opportunity to vote. In addition, no one bothered to explain to them what actually would happen in Burgas Bay when the pipeline is there. But that would surely interest them. Does it make sense to compromise the successful local tourism industry, just because one expects a 17 million euro income from the pipeline project? How dangerous is the technology of loading oil on the open sea, and who takes responsibility for possible environmental catastrophes?"

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