The scaffolding surrounding the former Monument to the Soviet Army in Sofia's Knyazheska Gradina Park is now being dismantled, with the Sofia Regional Administration confirming that the process begins today and will continue until April 26. The area will remain secured throughout the operation, according to officials.

The administration explained that the removal has been organized following the expiration of the contract with the owner of the technical facility. It added that there is no legal or financial justification to extend the agreement, which previously required a monthly payment of 12,210 euros including VAT for the scaffolding structure.

?At present, there are no grounds for the contract and the monthly expense of 12,210 euros including VAT related to it to be extended,? the regional administration stated, underlining the financial burden as the key reason for ending the arrangement.

The scaffolding was installed during the broader dismantling works on the monument, which began in December 2023 after a decision by then-regional governor Vyara Todeva. At that stage, the largest bronze figures on the monument were cut down and removed using mechanical tools, followed by the installation of fencing and supporting structures around the site.

The monument's dismantling process has remained politically sensitive, triggering protests at various stages. The removed bronze figures and bas-reliefs were transported and stored on state-owned property in the village of Lozen. Former regional governor Stefan Arsov, affiliated with GERB, had previously stated that the elements were preserved in their original condition.

In February, the outgoing government approved funding of 270,000 euros for 2026, intended to cover the protection and security of the dismantled monument components. This included costs for scaffolding, fencing, and safeguarding measures both at the site in central Sofia and at the storage location of the removed structures. The funding was incorporated into the Council of Ministers? budget planning for 2026.

The decision to proceed with further removal steps came shortly after the parliamentary elections, in which ?Progressive Bulgaria? emerged as the leading political force and secured the mandate to form a government.