site.btaPM Demands Speedy Granting of Protected Status to Royal Mews Historical Building in Sofia

Sofia, July 30 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov Monday ordered whereby all necessary acts be carried out so that the so-called Royal Mews historical building in the centre of Sofia obtain a protected status, the government's information service said. On Monday Borissov took part in a working meeting of the Council of Ministers.

Borissov's demand came after in a strong-worded Facebook post Sofia Deputy Mayor in charge of culture Todor Chobanov slammed Culture Minister Boil Banov for dragging his feet about giving protected status to the prime-location historical building which was partially destroyed by a fire in the night between July 28 and 29. Chobanov said he suspected an arson.

Chobanov also asked the Minister if "signature buildings at risk will live to see the Culture Ministry and its clerks do their job, or we will watch them fall victim, one by one, to administrators' inaction and odd investor plans". Meanwhile the Save Sofia non-government organization called for Banov's resignation.

At the meeting Banov, Interior Minister Valentin Radev and Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova reported about the fire to Botissov.

Borissov noted the importance of coordination between all relevant institutions so as to preserve the historical building.