“With the active participation—or rather, active non-participation—of the 'Patriots for Europe' group, under the influence of their representatives from Hungary and Viktor Orbán’s party, it turns out our proposals were ultimately blocked.”

‘And, to top it all off, an agreement reached between several groups was broken — namely, to put the inclusion of the word “modern” (or “contemporary” - ed.) before references to the language and identity of the Republic of North Macedonia to a vote. What happened? The plan was to introduce this as an ‘oral amendment’ during the session. I opposed this already last week, because I’m familiar with procedural games—and our own parliamentary experience in Bulgaria has taught us a few lessons. I made it clear that, for us, introducing oral amendments is absolutely unacceptable.’

Our colleagues from the EPP, the Greens, the Socialists and Renew Europe have stated that they will not oppose these amendments. This is because, when such amendments are proposed, a certain percentage of those present can oppose them and block them from being passed. Today, five people did just that. Members of 'Patriots for Europe' stood up today. We understand that there is a major offensive among the Hungarian representatives in particular to reject our Bulgarian amendments. We also understand that Hungarian MEPs have received instructions from the highest level — their prime minister — to vote this way. They literally did the dirty work. Afterwards, their group abstained from voting on the report itself while simultaneously not supporting the Bulgarian amendments,” Ivaylo Valchev summarized the meeting that took place a few hours ago exclusively for Radio Bulgaria.

"The warm relations between the prime ministers of Hungary and North Macedonia are no secret. What concerns me more is that so many people in Bulgaria admire Mr Orbán and claim that he is their friend or acquaintance. To all those who claim he is their personal friend, I would like to say this: call him today. Send him a personal message. Ask him why Hungary has made this decision,' said Ivaylo Valchev, indirectly hinting at political figures in Bulgaria.

Despite their internal political differences, all Bulgarian representatives are currently united, asserts the MEP. In July, at the European Parliament session in Strasbourg, the EPP group intends to resubmit the Bulgarian proposals, which are supported by the Socialists and Democrats, Renew Europe, and the Greens. These proposals will also be supported by the political families to which There Is Such a People and Vazrazhdane belong.