Thousands of Bulgarians on Sunday protested across the country against monopolies and high electricity bills, despite the resignation of the government which was approved by the parliament on Thursday.

During the protest in Sofia, organizers handed to the country's President Rosen Plevneliev claims such as nationalization of electricity distribution companies, eliminating all intermediaries in the energy sector, establishing a public council of experts, and the shift from proportional to majoritarian electoral system.

Plevneliev said that the public council would include representatives of the protesting citizens, trade unions, employers and other civic organizations. Next week the council would be convened, the president said.

He said he hoped constructive dialogue would begin, the rule of law in the state would be saved and stability of Bulgaria would be guaranteed.

A protester told Xinhua they were against high electricity bills and the monopolies, high prices, low wages.

Another protester said: "Electricity prices cannot be higher than wages. It is simply impossible. So we are at the protest. The President can decide to remove those companies that rob people."

According to another protester, Svetoslav Nikolov, they wanted a citizens' quota -- a part of the citizens to participate in any control or governing body. "These people shall be appointed directly and come there to be able to control them," he said.

Radina Krasteva, also a protester, said "the way politicians govern us is wrong."

In support of their countrymen, Bulgarians also demonstrated in 15 cities in Europe including Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Madrid, Paris and Rome. Endi

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