Participants in a so-called “March for Peace” backed by pro-Russian political parties hurled red paint at the European Parliament and European Commission representation building in Sofia on May 21. The small-scale event, which demanded that Bulgaria lends no support to Ukraine to defend itself in Russia’s illegal war, has tended to get more attention from the Kremlin’s media than that of Bulgaria. A report by Bulgarian National Radio said that Some participants in the rally – including supporters of a Pro Russian political party called Vuzrazhdane, known for its public events where supporters carry Russian and Soviet Union flags – deviated towards the European Commission representation building and targeted it with red paint. Ivailo Mirchev, an MP for the We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria coalition, commented on Facebook that the Vazrazhdane (‘Revival’) party’s rhetoric was unacceptable and deeply hostile.
The embassy of Ukraine to Bulgaria responded to statements made by Vuzrazhdane’s leader, Kostadin Kostadinov, saying that threats to Ukrainian citizens in Bulgaria harm democratic values, basic human freedoms and contradict the position of the Republic of Bulgaria as a member state of the EU and Nato. The embassy appealed to the relevant Bulgarian authorities to take preventive measures and guarantee the safety and freedom of Ukrainian citizens in Bulgaria.
Vuzrazhdane currently polls at about 13%, and holds 37 seats in the Bulgarian parliament, increasing from 13 seats at the start of the Ukrainian War. Kostadinov is currently banned from entering Ukraine.
CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE NEWS
Pro Russian Peace March Vandalises EU Legation in Sofia
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