Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Bulgarian politicians strongly condemn act of vandalism in Bitola

Photo: Ivan Mihaylov Culture Center in Bitola

The arson in Bitola has provoked a sharp reaction from "There is Such a People", who described the incident as "a deliberate act of vandalism that distances North Macedonia from the EU". Atanas Mihnev, deputy chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in parliament and MP of “We Continue the Change", called on the competent authorities to identify the perpetrators as soon as possible and expressed hope that this would not affect bilateral relations with North Macedonia. According to BSP MP Ivan Chenchev, such acts were intended to create hate between the two countries - something no one needs. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva of GERB defined the arson as a criminal act of vandalism, which is not an isolated case but a clear example that hatred and discrimination were part of state policy in the Republic of North Macedonia. The co-chairman of "Democratic Bulgaria" Hristo Ivanov pointed out that this was a provocation and a test for the official institutions in North Macedonia and the political class. Vazrazhdane and VMRO also condemned the act of vandalism.

Earlier today, Vice President Iliana Yotova also called on the institutions in North Macedonia to do their job, while the first diplomat Teodora Genchovska left for Bitola to talk on the spot with representatives of the association, after which she will continue her working visit at the invitation of her counterpart Bujar Osmani.

The President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski condemned the arson attack against the building of the cultural center of the Bulgarian community in Bitola and called on the competent institutions to conduct a swift and thorough investigation.

The prosecutor's office in Bitola has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Vice-President Iliana Iotova: This National Assembly lacks legitimacy

Speaking to journalists during her visit to the town of Gotse Delchev in the Blagoevgrad region, Vice-President Iliana Iotova described the newly elected National Assembly as "illegitimate".  According to her, the reports of violations and the..

published on 11/7/24 6:34 PM

Weather forecast: Daytime highs expected to increase by 1°C-2°C

On Friday, there will be fog in the valleys. The lowest temperatures will range between minus 5°C and 0°C, for Sofia around minus 3°C. It will be sunny during the day. The maximum temperatures will range from 14°C to 19°C, for Sofia around 16°C...

published on 11/7/24 5:20 PM
Borislav Gutsanov

BSP and ITN want to give the full rights for forming caretaker cabinet back to the president

BSP and ITN will ask the Constitutional Court to give the full rights to form a caretaker cabinet back to the president, Borislav Gutsanov from BSP - United Left has told the BNR. "BSP-United Left will be the guardians of the..

published on 11/7/24 4:01 PM