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

Sunny weather in most of Bulgaria on Thursday, with fog near rivers

Overnight it will be clear. The wind will die down in most areas. After midnight along the Danube River, in lowlands and near rivers fogs will form and visibility will be reduced with low clouds. Minimum temperatures will be between minus 3°C and 2°C,..

published on 11/27/24 7:25 PM

EU ambassadors reach agreement on Bulgaria’s entry into Schengen by land

The ambassadors of the EU Member States have reached a preliminary agreement on the draft decision to abolish checks at internal land borders for Bulgaria and Romania. This is planned to happen on January 1, 2025. The decision is expected to be finally..

published on 11/27/24 5:45 PM

Shopping malls vow to step up security after series of aggressive acts

Shopping malls in Sofia and across the country will increase the number of security guards where needed. Additional panic buttons are also to be put in place if retailers wish, the Bulgarian Retail Association said. Groups of suspicious persons will be..

published on 11/27/24 4:44 PM