Bulgaria Reacts After Genoa Bridge Collapse

On August 14, a vehicle bridge in Genoa, Italy collapsed, killing 38 people. In response, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boïko Borrisov says he wants to refurbish all the bridges in his country.

According to a governmental report following a meeting on August 15, Bulgarian Regional Development Minister Nikoly Nankov estimated that 211 bridges were in poor condition - most are more than 40 years old.

“Every bridge should be renovated and consolidated” said Borrisov. It is unclear whether the renovation project will be financed through the state budget or on credit.

Bulgaria is the poorest country in the European Union. For fifteen years, the government has relied on European financial support to develop and maintain its infrastructure.

By Antoine Dewaest

Photo: DIETER NAGL/AFP