Commenting on the arson attack against the Ivan Mihaylov Cultural Center in Bitola, North Macedonia, Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Yotova said the act of vandalism was yet another provocation and part of a massive anti-Bulgarian campaign.

 On her Facebook page, Yotova pointed out that such actions began immediately after the opening of the club, which has the sole function of preserving Bulgarian culture and identity among Bulgarians in North Macedonia. "Quick actions of the competent institutions and revealing the perpetrators in the shortest time possible would show that the rights of Bulgarians in North Macedonia are respected like those of all other nationalities," Vice President Yotova added.